Psychology of a Hero: Katniss Everdeen (part 1)

[@KatieVanHelsing]

Another BRILLIANT J law moment in “Catching Fire.” Watch her horror when the girl says “One day, I’m gonna volunteer, like you did.” The pure horror of how she is now being viewed as a hero as a victor.

[@madelinebogle7475]

Her absolute horror is BREATHTAKING

[@bigpapamagoo8696]

That moment always sends a chill down my spine. Such a terrifying moment that she acted so well.

[@caramelsupreme]

I'm your 1k lol

[@2danielle2]

I know, but I don't think she was horrified of being viewed as a hero for being a victor. I think what horrified her in that moment is that she saw that because of her, kids thought volunteering and going into the games was a good thing, a heroic thing. And it was horrifying, because of how terrible the games are. And it scared her to death to think that she was influencing the children in such a way

[@sankyumiku]

I've only read the book and only the first one and.... Um... What? Shit I need to catch up cause what the fuck

[@thefairylibrarian3282]

I feel like a lot of people underestimate Rue's importance to the story. When she dies, the first real uprisings start happening. It's not in the movie, but in the book district 11 sends Katniss bread right after Rue's death and they say it was the first time that there was union shown between two different districts. Rue broke the divide et impera that the Capitol had installed.

[@amyaccount7935]

I really miss that scene. In the books there is so much relevance on bread - every distric has their one special kind of bread, peeta feeding katniss the burned bread, the breadcounting of Finnick in the second arena, ... - it really is a shame they left this important scene with the background information out. Well.. probably it would have been too hard to tell the audience what had happened, but anyway- important thing not represented...

[@Nightlady0228]

@@amyaccount7935 yeah it always bothered me how that left out all the bread symbolism from the movies since the name of Panem was meant to represent the concept of “Panem et Ciecenses” since the book is in part a critique of superficial appeasement and all the moments related to bread showed how humanity coming together for kindness can persevere in this instances

[@eltonego]

they actually filmed this scene and i thought it was done really well, i saw it in a deleted scenes compilation on youtube. such a shame it was cut from the final project

[@Starmadien2019]

Rue and Thresh are also important because they're black. Becuase it's a reflection on how America treats the death of Black children. Especially Black boys. Thresh is always shown as a thug, a mountain of muscle the greater threat. But he's just a boy who wants to make it home. He spared Katniss because she helped Rue he was still a boy himself but everyone already saw him as a man. Rue was the actual catalyst for the rebellion to begin. An innocent little girl slain by the machine, shown mercy and compassion by someone who wasn't a part of District 11's people. Katniss's kindness and protection of Rue is what gave people the thought that together they stand a chance. But Rue is the one who gave them a reason to fight for it.

[@mickilarry4890]

It the racial undertones in this relationship for me. In the mist of all the dictatorship and tyranny

[@elizabethfriel7670]

I think it is SO overlooked that Peeta had brothers, older than him, who DIDN'T do what Katniss did for Prim. He even points it out in the books. The pain he must feel over not being cared for as much as Prim hits hard...

[@tasharice2781]

I imagine it hurt but there's a difference. Primrose had NO chance fighting against older kids. She's the youngest allowable age. Peeta was an older kid so he probably had the same chance of survival as his brothers.

[@noraafloraa8006]

I remember Katniss mentioning one of his brothers were probably too old to voulenteer for him and the other one too scared to voulenteer. That's were love for the other siblings gets limited

[@tasharice2781]

@@noraafloraa8006 Good point. Also, the lady mentioned that it was the 1st time in history that there was a volunteer from. district 12. So it wasn't that his brothers didn't love him. It's just that nobody ever wanted to be in the games because it was a death sentence. Siblings watched their siblings be carried off pretty much every year and it was something they had to accept.

[@bapbirb]

Im also curious how many people in real life would actually self volunteer for their siblings.. After watching news of people from their district getting brutally slaughtered and dying in painful agony because of hungergame. It takes alot of courage and something beyond love.. maybe thats why Katniss is the protagonist.

[@hatesBarney4life]

@@bapbirb I dunno that I'd say it's more than love but selflessness.

[@HexIsme]

Katniss is so relatable because she's NUANCED, like a real human being is. She's brave enough to sacrifice herself for her sister, but she's still shitting bricks going into the arena. She's headstrong, but not unaffected by trauma or regret. She's sympathetic without being a pushover or walking peace-and-love billboard. She's not a killer, but she will do what she has to when she's backed into a corner and forced into action. She knows she has to play the game, but she fights the "rules" every step of the way. These are very real-person qualities that are difficult to get across.

[@bessieburnet9816]

She actually has to sort of learn the peace and love thing. In a way. That's why she constantly wished Peeta's life over hers, because she is too angry. That's also the whole point of the "love triangle". It isn't another Edward vs Jacob, it's choosing peace and compassion (Peeta) over war and retribution (Gale). She had every right to hate the Capitol citizens for indulging in the Games, but unlike Gale and Coin, she wasn't caught up in the retribution against them.

[@hallaja8338]

Yes!!! And even more rare to see in a female on screen hero! She is so well written (and acted!) I love this film so much just for that reason alone.

[@Ailieorz]

@@hallaja8338 Completely disagree. This is almost a trope for female characters simply because there are so few male ones with any kind of emotional depth

[@HelloCreepy]

It's also, many times people tend to forget that she's only 16 when she volunteers , which is still basically a kid. She is thrown into a world completely unbeknownst to her and all she craves in the end is peace. Yet she is used as a figurehead that lives through a lot of tragedy and in the end receives a happy end. These books and movies are so powerful I absolutely adore them.

[@louisacoote2337]

@kshamwhizzle In the book they show that she can make friends, like she has done with Madge, the mayor’s daughter. In the second book, I love who she chooses to ally with, I thought that said a lot about her character.

[@MrsOdie2]

The detail that KILLS me with Rue's death is when she zips up Rue's jacket. It's so mundane, the way you zip up a small child's jacket because they forget to do it themselves, or to think about needing to protect themselves from the cold. It's just heartwrenching.

[@silverkyre]

Her name is Rue. :)

[@MrsOdie2]

@@silverkyre Right you are!

[@namelesscrow2069]

Same here, and what I liked even more after watching it multiple times is that before Katniss gets sent up the Tube is that Cinna zips up her jacket too. Cinna is to Katniss and Katniss was to Rue in terms of, there is this person not from my district; I never met them before but they are someone I have learned to trust and is on my side. Katniss was afraid to go and was shaking and Cinna zipped her up too. Rue was afraid to go (T~T) and her voice was shaking and then Katniss zipped her up

[@jomon324]

I went into the theater with no knowledge of the series, and I was sure Rue would be saved. When she died I had to hold my hand over my mouth and bite my fingers to silence my sobs. I almost didn't watch the rest of the movies because of how pissed off I was that she died.

[@Zephirite.]

Reminded me of a body bag...or hiding her wound in normalcy. Trying to pretend she wasn't dead, and making her more peaceful for when she buries her in flowers.

[@VelvetJezebel93]

I always love the fact that JLaw doesn't cry pretty. She cries more realistically than almost any other actress I can think of

[@Trynedge]

Natalie Portman. Most ugly/realistic cryer I've ever seen on screen.

[@omegapuppyttv]

sarah paulson cries like that too lol

[@clareyzhbk7]

The actress of Annalise Keating of How to get away with murder, did very well in that regard , her cries were so convincing I cried with her every time she cried on stage. 😢

[@nicolasap1]

@@omegapuppyttv “then almost…” 💀

[@nova.miller]

she is a good actor but she is annoying as fuck

[@natashaw.7315]

Katniss is a great example of a reluctant hero, but man this first movie was really good. Katniss's disbelief, Prim's grief and the absolute obliviousness of Effie that seems almost tinged with this uncomfortable feeling. Like in the back of her head she knows its wrong. A lot of this movies performances were spot on

[@locomadman]

“That is MAHOGANY!!”… I love that scene SO much.

[@julietardos5044]

@Rainshadow & Co. What's the name of that video or channel? I'd be interested to watch it. Thanks.

[@julietardos5044]

@Rainshadow & Co. Thanks. Watching ... now.

[@ianmiller6040]

@@locomadman Effie: the queen of first-world problems.

[@locomadman]

@@ianmiller6040 they should have left the deleted scene from the final films featuring her in the theatrical cut. …Or maybe I just love Elizabeth Banks.

[@trinaq]

It took me a while to realise that Katniss has PTSD because of her brutal childhood. She thinks that Peeta is lying when he states that he's in love with her, since she's used to manipulation, is mostly detached from others, has night terrors, insomnia and is generally angry and irritable. All key signs and symptoms of PTSD.

[@TheCccombobreaker]

I have just realised that, thank you for noting it

[@Cristiona2012]

Intrigued why is not believing Peeta loved her a sign of PTSD ?

[@swampmop]

@@Cristiona2012 in my case, i often feel stuck in a past mindset, which is defensive, distrustful, and anxious. so when people tell me things that may be true, because of my past i cannot always believe even when it’s said to me directly. it’s hard

[@Cristiona2012]

@@swampmop Thanks for sharing, what positive steps helped you with this

[@b.b.2684]

That's what makes this series so great. They showed a hero that has PTSD and is still successful. Amazing.

[@Annie-zr6xy]

I can’t remember where I read this, but when JLaw was first cast as Katniss, she talked about meeting the director before she was even cast. And she told him even if she didn’t get the part, she didn’t want them to make Katniss look fierce after her first kill, she told him you have to make her look vulnerable and broken. JLaw read the books and was a FAN of the hunger games and truly understood who Katniss was as a person. I think that’s really what translates to such a good adaptation from book to movie- the casting was so good and the actors really understood and gave their all to their characters!

[@Starmadien2019]

A good hero will not be ok after a kill, even a necessary one.

[@sarahlandis289]

I remember that. She was a big fan of the books and I'm so glad they cast her as Katniss.

[@Aashbard01]

@@sarahlandis289 So am I. she displayed such beautiful and inspiring emotions and actions. I love her as Katniss and I love Katniss as a person she is my role model!!

[@SuperFilmregisseur]

that is so cool ! I remember Gary saying "I said this to Jennifer privately and maybe even publicly, that if I couldn't do the movie with Jennifer I didn't wanna do it." I was like where did you say that pubicly? but it seems you did read that !! great

[@bananamanchester4156]

They definitely pulled it off! Her first kill was so quick that you might not have noticed it at all- followed by one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the entire series, of her mourning her friend. It really shows that death isn't glorious at all. It's tragic and terrible. I bet the boy Katniss killed had family at home, weeping in the same way Katniss did for Rue.

[@noemiecansier8466]

Finnick is such an important character. For such a mainstream series to have a male survivor of sexual abuse, where that doesn’t define him and it’s never gratuitous, I salute Suzanne Collins.

[@bessieburnet9816]

Finnick is great. My favourite of the men.

[@Monicalia]

He's seriously the best. *SPOILER FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T READ* Whenever I read or watch Mockingjay, I skip his death scene because I can't take it. In my own little fantasy he returns to District 4, to Anne and their little son and lives happily ever after. I do not accept any other scenario.

[@beepboop9464]

@@Monicalia I don't skip it but I basically cry every time.

[@liamisaac1152]

@@Monicalia It still breaks me up everytime I think about it. Remember sobbing in the movie theater when I see the picture of Annie and their son. They suffered so much and couldn’t get a happy ending where they raise their family together. And I guess as a father with a son it hits me harder

[@trinaq]

Indeed, Finnick's ending is so saddening, and it's heartbreaking that after he managed to get a happy ending for himself with the woman he loved, he wasn't able to enjoy it. 😭💔

[@babs3241]

Actually, Peeta *is* her role model. They were actually twelve when the bread scene happened, and Katniss was starving, and Peeta took a beating from his abusive mother in order to help her, then inspired her to go out into the forest. She's able to save her whole family because of that gift, and when she sees Peeta with bruises the next day at school, she believes she could never pay back that debt.

[@heatheravello4053]

He's also the one that brought to the story the idea that he might die but he doesn’t want the capitol or the games to change him and make him something he's not. Katniss kinda brushes it off in the moment but I think she really internalizes this desire and that's what helps her keep her compassion and sense of self in the arena.

[@creelabellehoward4583]

@@heatheravello4053 Absolutely! I was thinking the same thing. They're giving Katniss too much credit.

[@creelabellehoward4583]

I hate that they ruined the bread scene in the movie, making it look like he just happened to see her and throw her some bread he'd burnt instead of purposing burning the bread and taking a beating from his abusive mom in order to help her.

[@silverkyre]

@@creelabellehoward4583 and how young they were.

[@dj-cy7gu]

I agree with everyone here. Peeta and Primrose were her source of inspiration. They were her compass when it came to compassion and peeta was her driving force to become the mockingjay. She refused to be the mockingjay until she discovered peeta was still alive. Peeta even in his confused state encouraged her to continue with her mission to kill President Snow. Peeta was the person who loved her unconditionally. When he was lost she became lost too because they had shared experiences and she needed him. I do believe that although peeta loved katniss, he had co dependent tendencies which normally comes from a domineering parent who lacks empathy. I hope they do something on him too.

[@VanillaBean15]

I feel like her compassion comes from the fact that she's a hunter. A real hunter. She knows she can take lives away and how easy that is for her, and also she knows how hard it is to stay alive. That's why she respects other's life so much.

[@autumntaco8722]

There's very much so, ironically, a standard amongst traditional hunters. When you hunt an animal, you take it out in the quickest, most humane way possible, and use as much of the animal as you can. Those that hunt for sport and trophies are generally looked down upon by most hunters. It's unfortunate too, traditional hunting is slowly dying in the United States, which means the population of hunters is shifting to those with little respect for nature.

[@davidburre5925]

@@autumntaco8722 Former hunter here, and I respect both the departure from that tradition as well as what it stands for. I think it's time we stopped for any purpose other than conservation, but I can't help but continue to respect those same values. Take a life only when you can do so humanely. Respect the life you take as much as the one you spare and be sure to recognize when to do both. All that being said, hunters with no respect for life or quality of life have no place in conservation. I hold our next generation of hunters to at least as high a standard as I was held to, and I hope they can do an even better job

[@fiocg2450]

such a good take

[@niloticnya]

@@autumntaco8722 a lot of cultures have those beliefs like my tribe in africa. we’re very community oriented and always look out for each other’s survival without expecting things in return. i’m happy im in america but also sad that i can’t connect to people as closely. we never see animals being killed, so we eat 4x more than other countries. i think that having meat that’s already skinned, gutted, butchered, cooked, etc makes me feel extremely desensitized but i don’t think people want to admit that

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

That is also what told me Gale and her would never work one they're alot alike and 2 Gale doesn't understand compassion and how hard taking a life is he doesn't respect that about Katniss

[@StormEyes1991]

By the time he meets Peeta and Katniss, Haymitch has spent twenty-three years mentoring kids who always die. He's got a lot of PTSD from his own games and then the trauma of losing two kids that he has to try and keep alive every year compounding on itself. I can't blame him for his cynical detachment or alcoholism. They're bad coping mechanisms but they are coping mechanisms. All the victors need a ton of therapy and love.

[@meganhartmann180]

Yes, I would think that acting as a coach to kids that you know are in all likelihood going to die horribly in the arena has got to be soul-killing to anyone with an ounce of heart.

[@mamajenkins1981]

Add to that that we learned that Haymitch’s family was murdered because of what he did to win the Games

[@michellewages]

I thunk in the books, katniss comes to that realization, too.

[@sumgirl720]

The whole country needs a ton of therapy and love.

[@vanessamelanson4111]

But if all cynics were like Haymitch, I think humanity would be better. Despite all his trauma and pain and loss of hope, he still goes out on a limb and comes through when it matters.

[@pigpjs]

I have always appreciated the way Liam Hemsworth played Gale. When he picks up a screaming Prim at the reaping, it is clear he is a child used to doing/dealing with incredibly hard moments/decisions. His best friend and girl he has a crush on has just volunteered herself to the Hunger Games and he grim-faced picks up her distressed sister to avoid the sister being punished for her outburst. He must have had so many emotions in that moment but doesn't breakdown and does what needs to be done.

[@heathern8043]

yeah liam did a good job in the movies even though I’m not a fan of gale as a character lol

[@TheNocturnalLogician]

I kinda hate how you just lightweight described me... 😅😖 I'm not the way I am by choice, and I gather that neither is Gale. It takes hard living, with hard choices, sometimes regarding life or death, to become galvanized in such a way. It's sort of like how they created Sith assassins, by putting them through agonizing torment in order to make them more powerful. 10/10, would NEVER recommend.

[@jennyclast6798]

And then he ends up killing her sister in the end :/

[@michaelhenry3234]

@@jennyclast6798 He can't be made responsible for that just because his bombs were used.

[@jennyclast6798]

@@michaelhenry3234 in the movie I think they say he organised the bombing or helped while knowing the medics would come out also he would've known prim was a training medic being so close with her

[@sonorasgirl]

No one gives her credit cause she was on screen such a short time, but Rue’s actress ROCKS. The little smiles, teasing head turns, I’ve gotten those exact expressions from my younger sisters when they knew I liked someone. She sells Rue’s innocence and age and fear. She’s so good!!! Also I CAN’T watch her death scene without sobbing. Bloody hell

[@iridizousa8578]

I always skip the scene when I'm watching the movie and go to the part where Katniss is singing to her. I simply cannot handle it

[@juliebogen1797]

When my friend and i first saw Rue show up onscreen we turned to each other and went OH NO 😟 because she was so impossibly cute and charming that we were already dreading the death scene

[@lovestumacher]

I thought I was de-sensitized to shit like that(as a horror fan), but damn. Her death still makes me tear up just thinking about it.

[@acelovesdiyschristopher7023]

What I love about katniss is that unlike other heroes she didn't want to help people her main goal was for herself and/or her family to survive. She didn't volunteer to be the mockingjay she was placed there. Which is also emphasized in the movies and books where the revolutionaries stated they wanted peeta instead.

[@NicoLaak2005]

Well, she did get the choice to be their mockingjay. And she did it both for herself and her family, but she wanted justice. The whole “if we burn, you burn with us” shows that her hate for president snow runs much deeper then him just hurting her and her family. She knew there had to be an end to this. Otherwise, she would not have rebelled since she would have been okay with her family, having money and a better home. But she knew she had to do something. She was well liked in the capital, living in a nice home and so she did not fight for herself. Although she obviously wanted justice and revenge for herself, she also wanted that for Panem.

[@llll-fo9hk]

You're implying you like her as a hero because she is not a hero, your interpretation is that she operates on the axis of the same type as eg Michael Corleone, a mob boss, who is an anti-hero that is a true anti-hero in the sense that he is indeed not a hero. Like there is nothing wrong with that, but if that is the case and you care about avoiding an obvious contradiction why not just say you like her because she is not heroic and that you just don't like heros. There is nothing wrong with disliking heros and goodie moral characters so just own up to it.

[@llll-fo9hk]

Excuse me I think I get your point if you mean she does not care for the glory associated with being a hero. Not wanting valor and honor is not in anyway the same as, paraphrasing your words, not wanting to help people who are not your immediate family.

[@pippaari7663]

I remember reading, I think from a book series called Joust, that "Someone who does not want power, is the most apt to weild it."

[@daniellemusella1594]

@@pippaari7663 That quote reminds me of a scene in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", where Dumbledore is talking to Harry in the hospital about why it was so easy for the boy to obtain the titular stone. (11/23/2021)

[@peterwilliamgerspacher8122]

I love the 1st paragraph of the book, where Katniss just casually mentions that her sister's cat hates her because she tried to drown him as a kitten. She saw him as just another mouth to feed & was going to get rid of him till her sister talked her out of it. Great foreshadowing that she has what it takes to win the game.

[@magnarcreed3801]

@@Skunglybungle You weren’t wrong.

[@chickpeapeace]

that part almost made me put the book down the first time i read it when i was thirteen but im glad i didnt because thg is one of my favourite series ever

[@amyshort5625]

You have to take into account the trauma she already had at that young age. Her father died a horrible sudden death, her mother became vacant and negligent in her grief and Katniss was instantly the one responsible for making sure they all stay alive. Is it a terrible thing to try and kill the kitten? Yes. But is the stress of keeping her entire family fed and alive fair? Absolutely not.

[@idek7438]

Kinda stupid anyway as cats are quite good at feeding themselves and hunting. I mean Buttercup probably wouldn't have stuck around if they didn't feed him at all but I guess rather than drown him you could just leave him to fend for himself and he probably would have survived

[@Lucidtundra]

well, honestly yeah, but she mostly talks about how much of an actually piss baby Prim is because she gets scared at night due to nightmares, so when Katniss wakes up and looks beside her, Prim's place is cold and empty because she huddled next to mum. not a huge ramble ngl but im really annoyed with Prim's kindheartedness costing her life and food shortage... like.... yes... go save those people... that's fine.... rolls eyes.. and Katniss's own struggles through this and the feeling of sadness due to the guilt she feels due to the death of her sister, It's times like this i truly become irritated. Another thing to note is that she's not equipped to understand and acknoledge that her actions have consequences, she shouldn't keep the cat. There already isn't enough food. Katniss is busting her ass everyday to kill and find food, but Prim wants to keep the cat because.... COMPANY AND COMPASSION....! Like seriously, Even in the books, there's not a single indication of character development through that lens, she and Katniss should have had a conversation about that, Katniss is never heard, and her efforts and thoughts are almost never considered within the family, and it's heartbreaking. In the first book (Did not read the others, can't be bothered to find them), there's other information around others, but the effort and sacrifice Katniss goes through on the daily is so underrated, and her own intelligence and perception and analytical nature is unmatched. No one seems to pay attention to it, it's just glossed over due to her introversion, as if actions are just actions and not fuelled by thoughts and perception. She dodged fireballs, and intelligently thought of ways to evade danger, that's not plot armor that's her own genius.

[@pterodactyltac0155]

Rue’s death is even more heart wrenching in the books, not only because we had more time with her, but because she mentions that music is her favourite thing in the world. That’s why she asks Katniss to sing.

[@madelinegarber7860]

Ugh I know! I cry every time I watch or read it.

[@thedarkdweller3476]

Every time I hear Effie say “Primrose Everdeen” I still get chills like yeah we all know it’s coming but still there’s something truly haunting about how she says it and how silent it is

[@pixiecakes1765]

I'll always get emotional when Katniss volunteers.

[@cecilbenderman6240]

SAME!! The way Effie says Prim's name and the sigh of relief in Catching Fire when she sees Haymitch's name stick with me. Effie's actress did a wonderful job, the almost-cheerful way she calls out Prim's name is truly haunting like u said

[@jhill9789]

What always got me was after when J Law's voice broke just a little when she tells Prim to go find their mom

[@onyxth3ripper]

I'm sorry I liked your comment because right now it's at 666 but I just really agree with you

[@alyssacowan5050]

@@pixiecakes1765 as someone with 2 younger sisters, same

[@JP-uf9sh]

The book is astonishingly good but I love the movie adoption. They did everything well except perhaps the "mutants". The mutants in the books were horrific I guess the movie didn't dare to go there.

[@iridescentsolace]

I remember reading the books and weren’t they supposed to have the faces of the game’s contestants until that point??? Idk it’s been years since I’ve read it

[@sheadoherty7434]

@@iridescentsolace something like that

[@rainfallen7574]

See, I was okay with that because that's not something I wouldn't want to see on screen. It was a horrific enough mental image of the "hounds" being the former tributes, that would have been nightmare fuel seeing it on screen. That would likely been an immediate R rating and they were already skirting the line as is

[@atinyevil1383]

@@iridescentsolace in the first book, yes. The mutant dogs were supposed to look like mutations of the dead tributes. There are other mutants. If I remember correctly, some of the ones in mockingjay were peace keepers that were mutated (to me, they sounded like they were turned into velociraptors or some sort of lizard-people).

[@mirross4890]

Yup, I always imagined a zoom in shot on the mutants eyes as they realize who they are and I was kind of sad that didn’t happen.

[@LAKnightAuthor]

I will point out, Katniss & Prim don't have the typical "sister" relationship. Not that sisters won't die for each other, but Katniss has essentially been raising Prim on her own since their dad died when Prim was like 5 or 6. Katniss is more like her mother than her sister. This is shown more in the books but you see it a little in the movie too, like during the getting ready scene when their mom actually tries to parent Prim a little and Katniss shuts her down.

[@mummytrolls]

It’s clear in Katniss’s character that she suffers parentification too. What some ppl who’ve only seen the movie but not read the books don’t see is just how much Katniss does for Prim, the way she treats her, the way she interacts with her, the way she thinks of her. I agree it’s more motherly than sisterly.

[@noranason6521]

I agree. I have always seen in Katniss what I used to be growing up, especially when it comes to our relationships with our younger siblings. I had a very similar experience when you disregard the fictional aspects and the Hunger Games themselves. By the time I was 12 and my brother was 6 or 7, we had lost our mother and big sister, and our father was severely depressed. We were also poor. So for years, I was the one taking care of everything. I'd find ways to feed us, and starve myself to feed my brother. I'd take care of him, the apartment, getting to school and back, and there was a lot of growing up too quickly and taking on a role that an adult should have been filling. Eventually my father hit his true rock bottom, nearly committing $uicid3 and the adults around us finally did something. We were removed and relocated to our aunt and uncle's house before eventually being returned to our father once he had gone through a recovery process, and all the way through I was overly protective of my brother, untrusting of adults, and repeatedly shut down their attempts to parent me and my brother. At many points during my life, I would have died for the kid. Eventually, I also learned that he was the only person in this world for whom I would choose to live despite how horrible live was. So yeah. I don't know where I'm going with this, except to agree with the fact that Katniss and Prim did not have a typical relationship and support that claim with my own experiences. I'm rambling lol

[@mariah-annalvarez6391]

I just generally wish they had added more of the detail from the book. Like covering Rue in the flowers or the avoxes

[@Rosegirl398]

It’s sad, because the only reason Katniss volunteered was because she wanted to protect Prim and Peeta helped her open her mind that the capital can’t control everyone when she tried to manipulate the game makers with the berries. But in the end, Prim was gone forever and Peeta had to be helped with his memories because of what the Capital did

[@marymesweetie]

​​@@noranason6521 im so sorry you had to go trough all of this. i hope everything is okay with you and your brother now ❤❤

[@spock-w]

"When others are focused on survival Katniss is focused on not losing who she is" Probably a movie thing, but I think you have fundamentally misunderstood the Katniss character. Throughout the entire series, it is Peeta who is more focused on preserving himself and Katniss who is more concerned about going back home to her family. (Familial preservation is a form of self-preservation). It's Peeta who, before the Games, reflects to Katniss that he doesn't want to turn into a Capitol pawn. It's Peeta who pre-emptively looks out for Katniss both with the pre-book bread incident and in the Games themselves. Katniss is always focused on surviving and repaying her debt to Peeta. This contrast is what makes Peeta's brainwashing in *Mockingjay* all the more powerful.

[@Bloodjen]

Yeah, Peeta is the quiet force of calm and gentle justice. Katniss fights to maintain her own mind, to survive. She doesn't want to lose herself but she allows herself to appear like she's fitting in. Peeta never wavers in being him, even when on the cameras.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

@Spock W Thank you for commenting this! That was my immediate thought too - even in the movies, it was clear K's focus was survival (which is why her choice to trust Rue was so powerful), whereas Peeta explicitly wanted to stay himself and retain his ethics regardless of what happened?

[@clairezalla]

Came here to comment this as well. It's something she eventually grows into, but it takes a big chunk of the series.

[@ThashniNaidoo]

I was thinking the same thing... They talking about compassion but not once mentioning Peeta maybe in part 2 🤔

[@bessieburnet9816]

Not even a movie thing. They specifically have that scene of: "I don't want them to change me" "Well, I can't afford to think like that"

[@avah3643]

As a lover of the books I had a small problem with the first 15 seconds of this video. Katniss isn't primarily concerned with not letting the Capitol change her, she is primarily concerned with her, or others, survival. Peeta is the one who "doesn't want to be a piece in their games" because unlike her, he grew up without having to worry about the survival of his family resting on his back. In the film when Peeta says this line, Katniss says she understands, but can't afford to think that way. In the book she simply is not able to grasp the luxury of having moral quandaries when her most pressing issue is surviving. They have had different needs all their life, which results in this difference in ideologies. This changes over the course of the series of course, Katniss does come to understand and empathize with this thought, but that's never her goal. Her goal actually IS survival-not only of herself, but of those she loves, or even survival of a just society. Again, not to be rude, but Peeta is the one that is supposed to represent kindness in the series. When Katniss is starving, he feeds her even though he gains nothing and is punished for it. When Katniss doesn't look interesting to sponsors, he helps her look better despite the fact they are supposed to be enemies. When they're in the arena Peeta risks his life to protect her from the careers. Yes, Katniss is compassionate, she is loving, but it is Peeta who is supposed to represent kindness, love, and above all hope for a better future. But I agree with the rest of the analysis, Katniss is a flawed, traumatized character that is so amazing to see in a heroic character. The Hunger Games trilogy is a story about finding love and compassion in a world where there is none, and how could someone not love that? Not trying to hate, love the stuff this channel and you guys do!

[@magnarcreed3801]

I don’t see surviving and keeping your family alive as a character flaw.

[@avah3643]

​@@magnarcreed3801 I don't think it's a character flaw either! What I mean by saying Katniss is "flawed," is that she's realistic. Every character in THG has their flaws, I wasn't implying that Katniss alone is immoral because she has these values. For example, Haymitch is hard-working, but he struggles with alcoholism that can impair his better attributes. Katniss is loving, but she can be quite short-tempered at times. Gale is committed and loyal, but can let his anger guide him. In many cases, these 'faults' are due to the ways they've had to survive in Panem. Peeta, as a character from a slightly higher social caste, hasn't had to focus on surviving the same way Katniss, Gale, and Haymitch have. So, Katniss' goal in the arena continues to be surviving for her family, but Peeta, who has been put into this mindset for the first time, instead ponders morality. Anyways, I agree with you, Katniss is not a flawed character because she doesn't think about morality, they are just two people who've lived different lives :).

[@SouthCountyGal]

Agreed! Peeta is the Jesus character in the story. Katniss is the soldier who becomes the hero of the story. This isn't to say that I don't love her, but she is initially selfishly motivated. She is focused on protecting her sister, and coming back home to continue to protect her. Peeta is thinking about world politics.

[@magnarcreed3801]

@@SouthCountyGal He's hardly selfish, if put in the situation she was, he would act less selfishly.

[@SouthCountyGal]

@@magnarcreed3801 True, he's had a more privileged upbringing, which gives him the space to contemplate things from a more philosophical point of view. (That's not exactly what I mean but my vocabulary is failing me right now.) But I think Peeta goes into the games with the idea that he will survive as long as he can, and that he will not be coming home. Is it discussed at all whether he chooses not to kill, or doesn't have the ability with weapons? I only remember that he latches onto camouflage as his best survival skill, but I haven't read the books since they came out.

[@Viewable11]

I wish you would have also shown the two scenes after Rue died: 1.) Katniss creates a flower funeral for Rue and sends the three-finger-salute to Rue's district 11. 2.) Katniss mourns the death of Rue for a very long time, bawls her eyes out, grabs her bow and arrow and *throws it away in rage* . These two were among the most powerful and meaningful scenes of the trilogy.

[@vildekongtorp5569]

To add to this: If I remember correctly, Katniss never says "you're gonna be okay" in the books when she's holding Rue, and I've always hated the movie for changing the lines during Rue's death. Katniss didn't want to lie to Rue as she knew Rue would know well enough that she wouldn't make it. I think that also says a lot about Katniss' character and how important Rue was to her.

[@madelinegarber7860]

Yes! All of this! Also everyone’s reactions in the districts. That combined with Katniss grieving gets me every time.

[@claratackla]

See, Haymitch was the only winner from 12... He had to go all his life ~ while suffering with PTSD ~ with all those kids to the games and see they all die. 2 kids every single year of his life. Remembering how it was to be there. I don't see him as cynic, but trying to avoid to be close to them so he won't be hurt again by their death you know... BTW, we love you!!

[@trishapellis]

Also knowing from the books how the capitol treats the 'victors' - from the moment your name comes out of that bowl (or you volunteer) your life is forfeit to the Capitol in one way or another, and the higher your district number, the more you'd benefit from dying in the games or just offing yourself later. The victors from districts 2 and 3 still get some decent respect and have rich parents on the whole (if they train their whole lives before volunteering, that means there's money behind them) so they're less likely to be exploited in such grim ways as the victors from other districts, but Haymitch lost everyone he cared about, Finnick got prostituted on top of the threat to his loved ones... these are some games you really just don't want to win.

[@andreakubiak4778]

Yep. Talk about complex PTSD, that is a straight up trauma that happened to him year after year. Of course he self-medicated to deal with it.

[@ac.car88]

Yes and also they killed his family and his girlfriend due to him doing something similar to katnis in his games he won by pushing boundaries as well. Which is why he forced her to play the starstruck lover card it was so the same wouldn't happen to her. He was just severely traumatized from all that happened that he just shut down and stayed away from people out of fear of getting attached and losing them again.

[@singer4564]

I can't recall if this was mentioned in the books or just my mindset while I read them, but I always imagined Haymitch did try to mentor the kids that got reaped early on but the constant loss also affected him and made him detach himself even further.

[@ac.car88]

@@singer4564 i think it was implied, in catching fire before they announced the new hunger games was reaping the winners katnis was thinking about having to train someone and then she realized why he was the way he was when she was thinking about what it would feel like if they didn't make it she realized that for over 20 years haymitch had to watch them die. She said something like year after year training them to survive and then watching them die how that would take a toll and make him want to disconnect by being cold. But because it was from her perspective and her thoughts its not for sure but i imagine that he probably did in the beginning but then gave up.

[@saltyteenager5865]

Can everyone just acknowledge the amazing costuming and makeup department that worked on this series? They really went all out in making the world feel connected and real. Bravo 👏

[@chrystianaw8256]

So true

[@LadyJoolree]

Yes! I loved the real life visuals on every scene and the way each was set and lit, even the outdoor scenes. Some of it was a bit on the nose, but still well done! The wardrobe and makeup though, so much was communicated... chef's kiss!

[@matthewfilio4477]

my favourite costumed character in the trilogy is Effie; you really understand her character's progression and her feelings and thoughts in different situations through her fashion. and as an artist i really enjoy that Effie is quite a caricature of a character; so much opportunity for fun silhouettes and designs to push a narrative

[@hazbinnerdy]

One thing they missed is that the kids can put their names in extra times for more food, oil and basic supplies. In the book, gale had his name added so many times to help support his siblings

[@Speedy2619]

Still he was lucky enought it was his last tombola.

[@gilwags]

There is actually a moment when they mention it but very subtly. Just before she leaves Katniss tells Prim not to put her name in more times cause it isn't worth it

[@caithemburrow5569]

And katniss had put her name in as many times as she could basically

[@martalaatsch8358]

And Katniss put her name in multiple times to buy food for Prim and herself and for a lower chance of Prim's name being drawn

[@abigailr.9601]

Yes! And that’s why it’s even more shocking and horrifying when Prim’s name does get drawn: Katniss, Gale, and who knows how many other kids in the district had their name put in so many times in order to support their families, but Prim’s name was only in there once. 😭

[@nephtys369]

The most chilling thing to me about this series is that the entire purpose of the games was to squash dissent by saying “fighting back is useless. Look what we can do to your children, and you can’t do a damn thing about it”

[@pigpjs]

It has happened throughout history and today. When my aunt was in first grade under apartheid South Africa, the police came in and killed children and teachers in retaliation for a strike at a mine. The message was clear, you fight against us, we kill your children.

[@Imsexysryurnot]

@@pigpjs I wish for her happiness, peace, and stability. My father also survived and escaped the horrors of Violence against the innocent in El Salvador.

[@stitchedwithcolor]

It was this, yes, it was also a tool to sow discord between the districts and prevent coalition, i think. There's a lot of "oh no, none of this is the capitol's fault, look what that *other district's little monster* did to *your child*, don't you hate that other district that brutalized your children and took food out of your mouths." As long as people like katniss hate the career districts for the way they weight the games in their favor, they're not uniting to hate the capitol for creating the system that necessitated such brutality in the first place.

[@snikrdoodls14]

@@stitchedwithcolor Very true the games had multiple purposes to favour those in the capital. Like you said, it was a way of preventing the districts from coming together and creating a revolution towards those in power. If those who are stuck in the districts are more worried about what happens to their children in the games, they can't even think about how to destroy the reason they exist in the first place; and like the original commenter said aswell. It has happened throughout history and will continue to do so, keeping those under your thumb occupied on how to survive, for your own benefit.

[@jennaoneill1155]

I hope they take a look at Peeta as well. Most of what Katniss does is inspired by the kindness Peeta shows to her when she and her family were in need. While Katniss is very compassionate, she becomes this hardened veteran of the games, and ultimately is forced to become a tough and closed off person. Peeta never loses himself, not even after he's been brainwashed. Peeta is Katniss's anchor to sanity and I don't think people recognize that enough.

[@Bloodjen]

Mainly because a lot of that is etched out for the films. A lot of what Peeta does is quiet, hes a gentle force of calm on her, which is the very reason she chooses him in the end. A lot of that isn't easy to show on the big screen sadly though.

[@MorningThief_]

Cinna will always be my favourite character in this series... quiet. determined. works in the background. blows everyone away. & i simply adore Lenny Kravitz' performance of him

[@bmalloy0]

I remember hearing he was cast and being very skeptical. Then I saw it and couldn’t have picked a better actor

[@Trynedge]

Cinna is basically Charlotte, from Charlotte's Web. He PRs the hell out of Katniss so she's less likely to die. Just like Charlotte did for Wilbur 😅

[@Vi_Vi_1]

I also love Cinna so much. He's so quietly fierce. He's also the first adult since her father to really take care of her and tend to her gently, which is something she desperately needs.

[@SamariaDriscoll]

I couldn’t agree with you more ❤😍

[@evelyndossantos708]

I love that you guys appreciate Jlaw's acting. people give her so much shit and say a lot of sexist crap about her. This woman is talented as hell! She deserves her awards and her characters 👏🏽

[@jaydas8976]

Her acting blew me away in the hunger game movie franchise, she really brought katniss to life

[@Viewable11]

Jennifer Lawrence deserves an Oscar for Catching Fire. This is the best acting I have ever seen.

[@MARYWTHER]

Sadly, she got a lot of crap too because in the book, Katniss is a woc, at least mixed (described as having "OLIVE skin"). Katniss is one of the biggest examples of recent whitewash in cinema. I do agree her acting was good, but some of the hate towards her casting choice was deserved (notice I said towards her casting choice, not her as a person)

[@evelyndossantos708]

@@MARYWTHER ikr I get it and that's is on the casting directors too. But i see a lot of people saying she has no talent and that she must be sleeping with people to be where she is.

[@Queen3210]

@@jaydas8976 I really did enjoy her in The Hunger Games and Catching Fire (haven't really watched Mocking Jay, so can't say for sure), and I liked her enough in Passengers. But I absolutely LOATHE her in the X-Men reboots, though I feel that's more to do with the directors and screenwriter's trying to cash in on J-LAW than anything to do with her as an actress.

[@Magdalen2255]

Let's be honest though, the real hero of these books is Peeta. It's funny that they talk about how 'when some people are only looking out for themselves, Katniss is thinking of others.'-- cause actually, No. Not until after she met Peeta. He was the one, the night before the games, trying to think of a way to make sure that he still died as himself, that he didn't want them to change him. Katniss literally said "I can't afford to think like that." Similarly, when she's reaped the second time in Catching Fire, Peeta's first instinct was to protect Katniss. Katniss's first instinct was self-preservation. When Haymitch pointed out that it took her a couple of hours of wallowing to even remember that someone else would be going in with her, she remarked that Peeta was definitely the superior of the two. Over and over she's dragged in to standing up for others. Sure, protecting Rue, Prim, etc-- those came instinctively. But she often has to remind herself to be compassionate, to care about others. She wants to survive-- not because she's selfish, but because she promised her sister she would. And over and over she has the internal realization that Peeta is, deep-down, inherently more moral than everyone else.

[@badratymj9255]

And I agree but keep in mind that peeta said it himself has no one to go back to so in a way it's easy for him to focus on not being changed. Peeta is like a version of johanna who will not let the capitol change her anymore, but for her it's because she lost everyone. Peeta had no one. But katniss can't make the idea of not being changed by the capitol her priority because she has to go back to a young defensless sister and a check out mom whom let herself drown in her sorrow and grief

[@Magdalen2255]

@itissillygucci I think maybe you're taking my comment a little too seriously. Also, it's actually your reasoning that's flawed. You're arguing for why someone is "the hero" based solely on the fact that Prim is the catalyzing agent for the story's events. By that reasoning, The Archduke Ferdinand was the "hero" of World War I. Prim is the Catalyst. Not the hero. (PS-- "hero" and "protagonist" are not the same thing. Katniss is the protagonist.) I was simply saying that I felt that Peeta's character was more heroic based on what Alan and Jonathan described as heroic features-- the instinct to put others' needs before oneself, and to care more about maintaining one's integrity and sense of self and morality over and above one's own survival. If that (as they say in this video) is the mark of a hero, then I feel that Peeta exemplified those characteristics far more than Katniss did, for the reasons I stated. Having said that, I very much enjoyed Katniss as a more flawed hero and protagonist, specifically because she was NOT instinctively heroic. She had to grow into it, and work hard against her instincts for survival and self-preservation in order to do what's right. It came so naturally to Peeta, but Katniss had to fight twice as hard to be half as good.

[@Magdalen2255]

@itissillygucci *shrug* Agree to disagree. I like Katniss for her flaws and genuine human mistakes, and I like Peeta for his deep integrity and commitment to goodness. You see something different. We both enjoy the books and the characters, and take something valuable from them. That’s what story-telling is for.

[@Magdalen2255]

@itissillygucci oh brother. Katniss is the protagonist. Of course we know her character better, including her flaws. Let’s not make this about misogyny. We get to see lots of flaws in Haymitch.

[@Viewable11]

This character aspect of Katniss completely changes until the end, though: In the climax of the series, when Katniss kills president Coin, she does that in the assumption that this costs Katniss' life. But she does it anyway, because otherwise Coin would force 24 Capitol children to murder each other on live television.

[@April-Marie_]

I just want to say that for Katniss it was never about not being changed. That’s Peeta. For Katniss it’s about the people she loves surviving.

[@KitArch]

Exaclty. If she win 'bad' or losing herself, the people she loves will refuse her. That's why sometimes she don't compromise in the first movie. While it changes in third movie, where it's more about keeping herself during the war.

[@fridalozano7795]

What I love about Katniss as a hero/protagonist is that she isn’t willing to give up on someone else or kill for the purpose of winning the hunger games. In both the movies and the book, she only really kills out of necessity. Even though she isn’t the most likable character, she is still a great hero and protagonist.

[@HallowqueenCrafting]

The books went a little more into how the reapings work. You start qualifying for the reaping at 12 and age out of it after 18. With each successive year of eligibility, you get more entries in the reaping. A 12 year old will have 1, 13 year old will have 2, and an 18 year old will have 7. But insidiously in the book there was another way to gain further entries that the poorest sometimes had little option but to take. A tessera is a year's supply of grain for one person. A child of age to participate in the Hunger games can sign up to recieve this, at the cost of adding your name in the bowl an additional time. You can also sign up for additional tessarae for family members, which Katniss did. She, her mother and sister nearly starved to death before Katniss turned 12 and could qualify for the tessarae - Peeta's gift of bread happened between Katniss' father's death and her 12th birthday. So at the time of the reaping we see in the movie, Katniss has 28 entries in the bowl. 7 for her age, and 7x3 for the 7 years of 3 tessarae she risked her life for to keep her family fed. Gale had it even worse, he was signed up for 5 Tessarae, one for himself, his mother and each of his three siblings, meaning he had 42 entries. This system made it overwhelmingly more likely that the children of poor families would be the ones reaped for the Hunger Games. In this way, both Peeta and Prim being the ones reaped were strange picks. Primrose was not signed up for tessara herself, and was only 12 so she only had her name in once. Peeta was 16 and from a better off family, so he only had 5 strips in for his age. District 12 was the poorest of the districts, so there's probably a good percentage of his peers were taking tessarae, so for him to be reaped when he wasn't is nearly as unusual as a 12 year old. There are likely a number of 12 year old in district 12 who had more slips in than Peeta.

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

It's heavily implied there was a set up. The adult revolutionaries needed a hero.

[@Monicalia]

@@Wednesdaywoe1975 I wouldn't be surprised especially after reading the ballads of song birds and snakes. Katniss is a descended from Lucy Gray and Snow could have set Katniss/Prin up in order to torture them.

[@MizuSky]

In a way, she was incredibly lucky to be that unlucky.

[@brown14suga]

I read the books when the movies were releasing, I totally forgot about that!!

[@Viewable11]

@@Wednesdaywoe1975 Katniss thinks that the reaping lottery is rigged to increase the probability of a victor's child to get reaped because the number of times a victor's child had been reaped is far greater than probability would suggest. Katniss assumes the Capitol does this to maximize the drama, increase the television audience. I assume the Capitol does this also to discourage victors from having children. Haymitch decided to never have children.

[@ivie8630]

Seeing the scene with Katniss singing to Rue hits so differently now that I am a nurse. It is such a cathartic experience seeing it through Rue's perspective. I've been the last person that someone sees as they die many times, and it may be a bit taboo in my profession, but I try to comfort them to the best of my ability. Speaking softly, saying kind words, holding thier hand, kissing thier forehead or petting thier hair. I've only ever focused on the grief and the sadness I felt in the moment, but it brings me a bit of comfort. Also, sadness because who am I to be the last person another sees... I need to be the best person I can be to almost make myself feel worthy of being that for someone.

[@anonomas6126]

You might consider becoming a death doula. Or a hospice nurse. Both are terrible and rewarding. The jobs would suit your personality and allows you to have a deep connection with dying.

[@mimyeko894]

You deserve the world sweetheart, it really is not an easy experience at all, thank you for what you're doing ❤️

[@margoalex.]

Thank you so much for your work. Your kindness has ripple effects that can’t be measured.

[@hellomew]

you are a beautiful, strong person. i wish you so much love and kindness. i hope you’re having a nice day ❤️❤️

[@kirtisawant9288]

You are a beautiful person. Thank you for doing this. You give them dignity and happiness when they pass. Thanks a lot ❤

[@kmmusic8]

Will we see a psychology of a hero video for Peeta as well? I feel like his compassion and charisma are underrated strengths- much of what he does is the reason Katniss is able to succeed in the games and the revolution

[@sydneyd2094]

I agree, he got a lot of hate for being merciful and compassionate but it’s so important to talk about male vulnerability and really just that it’s ok for men to be compassionate in general and that it’s not a weakness

[@Pippa87]

I second this: I really hope you do Peeta,.

[@heatherleys]

Completely agree. It shows a different side of how to survive but still come out true to yourself.

[@Pippa87]

ALSO I think we need to acknowledge how Peeta plays the game against itself: the “she came here with me” and “if it wasn’t for the baby” is someone who understands how to play his audience. He also doesn’t want to be changed, and actually in the book Katniss doesn’t understand this desire until she is also in the arena. Then when he is tortured and changed by the Capitol, it’s just horrific. He couldn’t even keep control of his own sense of self.

[@luanapires4464]

I agree Kristin! Although I think the movies didn’t do Peeta justice… He’s much more fleshed out in the books. Like how Katniss’ compassion is influenced by Peeta’s

[@elliel4736]

The heroes won, but Katniss lost, because no one ever wins the Hunger Games.

[@a.a677]

Yep, this is the most heart-breaking thing. Because even if the ending at face value seems like a 'happy' ending with Katniss and Peeta together with kids, she is forever haunted by her experiences.

[@FranciscanGypsy]

@@a.a677 As is Peeta. And they can understand and support each other in a way many other can’t because they went through a great part of the trauma together

[@Vi_Vi_1]

Jennifer's performance in this series is just incredible. Katniss is a tricky character because she's so internal, and very guarded externally, but god she captures it all so well. I'm always so impressed by how much nuance she can portray.

[@sepiteria7797]

One thing I always felt was interesting in the terms of adaptation was Rue’s death in the book vs the movie. A lot of things the movie did was directly against the book. Rue didn’t take out the spear, no one did, Katniss wanted it to be taken away with her so no else could ever use it. She also specifically didn’t say “you’re okay/you’re going to be okay” because she knew she wasn’t and didn’t want to bring Rue’s, or her, hopes up. I always thought the book version was more impactful and less cliche because of that. But I also recognize that, as readers, we directly knew, from the primary source, why those choices were made. I think, without Katniss’ commentary, those actions could have come off as cold and uncaring, which is definitely the opposite of what that scene is. It’s an interesting example of how adapting a story from one medium to a vastly different one has its hang ups

[@liv97497]

Oooh yes! That's such a difficult thing to balance. I used to be a purist when it came to book adaptations (and thus hated every one) but I've come to realize it's much more about how to get the core of the story through to as many people as possible, and that tone and emotion are more important than a perfect translation. I agree with you that those book details are wonderful and very meaningful, but the movie scene is so heart wrenching I can't really find any fault in it. It does its job, and it sure is memorable.

[@smallsteps3801]

"She wants to survive. But more than that, she wants to not be changed by the Capitol..." First sentence is Katniss being Katniss 🔥 Second sentence is Katniss being influenced by Peeta (after their talk on the rooftop) ❤

[@emilyrln]

"If I'm gonna die, I wanna still be me." "I just can't afford to think like that." Oof.

[@eliord142]

Thank you so much for this clear comment, I was looking for something like this. And Katniss couldn't understand Peeta when he said that. She had sworn her sister she'll do her best to come back. She couldn't afford the privilege of caring for herself and how she was seen by the world. She resented Peeta for this goal he had.

[@Pokefreak951]

The scene with Rue’s death was so incredibly painful, on so many levels. One level I haven’t heard about Katniss’ mindset here was the absolute panic and heartbreak, not just because she cared about Rue and just lost her, but because there’s such an overwhelming urge in moments like that to call for help. You scream and hope someone hears, someone with more maturity, or ability, someone with power or medicine. Someone who can take this situation out of your hands and fix it when it’s so so much more than you can handle alone. One of the worst parts of the scene though is seeing Katniss look around, dealing with that ‘someone help me’ feeling and realizing that, no only is no one coming to help, but the only people CAPABLE of helping are the ones who made this happen. Idk if it hits anyone else that way but that’s how it hits me and it makes me sob every time. Just pathologically, you’re a child seeing something awful and crying for your parent to come save you, but realizing you’re the only one who can save you, and there’s nothing you can do about this.

[@smileyface81mc77]

I was looking for a comment like this. I put myself in Katniss’s shoes and just want to scream in grief and rage. You take it upon yourself to protect this little girl, but you know deep down that she’s probably going to die and it’s all because of this overwhelmingly large, dehumanizing, unfair system that you did nothing to put in place and are largely innocent in. Anyone in that situation would want to scream, but she knows she can’t because if she screams, other tributes will find her and she’ll probably die. Despite her heartbreak and panic, she has to keep her head in the game.

[@Pokefreak951]

@@smileyface81mc77 I don’t know whether to be glad to have someone to share the perspective with or sad that we’ve apparently both lived lives that would lead to us being able to empathize with something like that. :/

[@gurglequeen433]

One thing that always disturbed me about his world, is that we see from Katniss's point of view how he hunger gamer are a death sentence in the outer districts. But in the inner districts they're treated like this huge honor and teenagers are fighting to volunteer for the position of tribute.

[@MegaKhelditia]

It reminds me of how abuse survivors often had to imitate their abusers' harm against them, effectively in operantly conditioned self harm, and viewing it as healthy obedience. Tyrants invade their own, first.

[@ckma528]

It’s sometimes disheartening to be the only guy in the room to view Katniss as an inspiration, but I’m so glad you’re having a deep look into her character! She’s caring, she has flaws, but most of all she’s authentically herself. Her message for Rue’s family and the scene in District 8 will never fail to make me tear up 😢

[@pianoface]

The choice to have Rue as a black character and watching her district riot is so powerful to see it's also empowering. Watching people of color use their collective voice and empower each other is something rarely seen in cinema and tv.

[@yellowhouse4911]

And the fact that people had a meltdown over that choice, saying stuff like they always imagined her looking like an angel and not like this, that they don't feel sad about her death anymore and calling the actress the nword

[@pianoface]

@@yellowhouse4911 hateful people are everywhere, just like in this movie

[@PS-dm1dq]

It literally says she is dark skinned in the books, wtf with ppls racism. Not only that, but when they go to her district, (11, I think) the imagery there seems pretty evocative of slavery in the American south. Like I dont think it's a coincidence that the type of labor done in Rue's district was the harvesting of crops under extremely militant security.

[@shirleytatha8189]

I think the books say that se was black. It was the writer's choice to have her black rather than the film maker's, which is what most people believe

[@shaniastuart349]

She’s described as a black girl with the same stature as prim but the responsibility of Katniss herself with her also being the oldest sibling needing to take care of her siblings. I am so glad the movie producers didn’t decide to change her race as her being black was a main part of The Hunger Games connection to real life in America.

[@abbystevely7018]

I remember reading these books when I was 13. I had loved the first two books, but was utterly disappointed with the third, Mockingjay. All I could think was, "this isn't the Katniss I know, why is she acting so weird and crazy, the author did such a disservice to her as a character." But at that point I had no concept of what PTSD was, or really any traumatic experiences in general. Obviously I understood that it was a terrible, terrible situation she was put in, but I didn't really realize the true brutality of the world Katniss lived in. As I've gotten older, I've revisited Katniss and this franchise on multiple occasions, and every time I learn something new. Every character represents a different facet of this world, and there isn't a weak or undeveloped character in the whole series. It is truly such a powerful series, and Katniss is such a powerful character. Her love, her loyalty, her intelligence, her compassion: they make her who she is. As a book-to-movie adaptation, I don't think they could have gotten anyone better than Jennifer Lawrence. In the book, we see everything from Katniss' perspective, and we have her inner monologue to guide us through the story. I'm so thankful that the movie didn't have narration running through; everything we are supposed to know and feel we can see on Jennifer Lawrence's face.

[@juliahealy7562]

I love this comment! I totally agree! When you read these books as a younger person, you see the action and the characters for being brave and rebellious to the capital despite their circumstances, and I agree, I was not impressed with Mockingjay in the beginning. I didnt understand why Katniss or anyone would be hesitant to take down the capital or want to be the one to motivate everyone to get themselves out of that situation. That's another great thing about these books is that you can reread them and at another age, you see it from another perspective. Now I like Mockingjay because I understand the severity of the situation of being in the games and how detrimental that is to someone's mental health, on top of how it basically would mean the end of the world/country as they knew it, and it was a huge gamble! Most kids at twelve/thirteen don't pay attention to politics or world issues, so to go back and see that was refreshing as an adult. There was so much more to it than I initially thought as a kid, I'm glad I'm not the only one!

[@abbystevely7018]

@@juliahealy7562 Yes, exactly! I'm glad I'm not the only one either!

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Hated the 3rd book. There was no reason to kill Prim and it felt unnecessary. It turned me off the whole series.

[@ocarinagirl7]

I feel the exact same way. When I think back to when I read the books when I was in 5th grade, all of the things about the revolution went over my head.

[@euphorya1829]

@@andreagriffiths3512 I disagree. I feel as though the reason to kill prim was to show that the world she lives in is not kind at all and unforgiving, and so the death of her sister the person she wanted to protect since the beginning dying really harps on that fact. that's how I see it

[@aidan5074]

oh katniss!! this is a psychology of a hero that i cant wait to watch, shes such an interesting character to me (especially in the book)

[@trinaq]

Definitely, she may be a bit abrasive and prickly, but she's ultimately a good hearted person.

[@Steph-ey3hh]

I completely agree. I’m so happy they’re diving into Katniss

[@OceanSongBird6355]

For my final in one of my film classes I chose the Rue’s death scene to be the main scene I dissected for my paper and honestly it blew my mind how much symbolism was in it. One of the first things I noticed was the flowers put around Rue’s body they were white which in color language means innocence and purity which fit Rue due to her age and her not killing anyone but it also affected Katniss because in this scene she loses her own innocence after killing for the first time. So I thought that was really cool and amazing that they thought that far ahead but what also caught my attention was at the end when Katniss leaves Rue there is a shot where it shows her walking away and Rue is also within the frame and the trees allow little circles of light to surround Rue but Katniss is in complete darkness. This was an incredible way to show that Katniss is now fully invested in winning the game because now reality is hitting her hard and she has to win to survive. How heartbreaking and amazing at the same time!

[@thelvey1]

You noted how Katniss didn't have any good role models, but in the book at least it is clear that while her father was alive she had a healthy family life ... just something to consider.

[@heatheravello4053]

She had a really strong relationship with her dad. They bonded over hunting and music, and I think it's his strength that gives Katniss hers after he dies along with Peeta's act of compassion.

[@dclark142002]

@@gracehaven5459, indeed. They basically ascribe Peeta's book motivations to Katniss...

[@laylamckenzie]

So I was conflicted here. I read these books in my young adulthood with a group of friends in various ranges. I was.... the only person who felt very messed up at the end of the 3 books. I cried and I was genuinely hurt, almost as if Katniss was a reason person and I lived her........A decade later, I understand now. I was the only person in my social group to experience actual trauma. So I related to her stronger than I was intending, stronger than I wanted, and stronger than they did. So please. What Katniss lived through was horrific. And some very real people like me have lived similar horrible things. It IS awful and there are real world Katniss's. Thank you for doing this one.

[@estherpettigrew3042]

I think this is a common thing missed by many...that survivors of traumatic experiences have many triggers that will bring their emotional state right back to where they were when they experienced the original/ongoing trauma. I've seen this so often among my friends and acquaintences. Hugs to you.

[@Armylady74]

I always cry at the end of Mockingbird 2. She is like war veteran who is deeply damaged. Have to find the small things in life to not lose oneself in depression and PTSD.

[@michaelacobb1209]

so in the books you find out that the three fingers is actually the way you say goodbye to someone you love, as well as a gesture of admiration and respect. they know she's going to die- they know she just sacrificed her life to save her sister. they're essentially paying their respects at her funeral. it's a beautifully painful and real moment.

[@ForeverSunnyy]

I really, really hope you include Peeta's importance to Katniss in the next episode! It would be amazing!! Unfortunately, the movies did him dirty, but in the books, his kindness is what is constantly inspiring Katniss, plus, she wanted nothing more than to save his life in the second arena, also, he was later tortured into madness by Snow, and programmed to kill her, which totally added another reason for her to take her life after Prim's death. And his return to D12 is what starts her road to recovery. In the movies, she looks better by the time he gets back, but in the books, she's still a mess. Also, the love triangle was almost nonexistent in the books, and when she and Peeta finally get together for real, she clearly says that she's choosing the dandelion in the spring and the hope of a better future that Peeta represents. Which is such a powerful message, choose hope instead of anger and bitterness. Thank you! :)

[@kaylaholland8143]

Oof I forgot that part of the book I just got chills!

[@elizabethh835]

You might want to add a spoiler alert though lol

[@isabellacam4775]

Perfectly summed up!

[@weirdnerdygoat]

Honestly though, how she acts with Peeta and Gale in the books, she does kind of give aromantic vibes, but doesn't know about this possibility and therefore do what many aro/aces do- get in a relationship not because of romantic love, but because she thought platonic love was romantic love

[@jezza_belle4867]

@@weirdnerdygoat I feel like she is demiromantic. She connected more with peeta after spending time with him and gradually building a connection

[@ceres090]

6:22 The beginning of the book has Katniss' internal monologue of thinking people are kind or work with her because they remember her Dad. It was truly heartbreaking the people that come to say goodbye to her in the book, and it slowly dawns on her that she was always loved by her community, and that it's now too late to appreciate it. I love how the movie took this complicated mix of emotions that takes chapters to set up and pay off summed up in this one, beautifully tragic moment.

[@rheaprabish4962]

Finnick was one of the few characters who was actually very supportive and truly likable. I felt like crying when in the epilogue of the books katniss fills the pages of her book with Finnick and Annie's child and remembers his blue eyes , also the part where both of them tie knots all night or when he offers her the sugar cubes a second time during the meeting. They had a sort of true friendship that was only ever demonstrated by action and not actually acknowledged verbally. For me personally more than Peeta or even Gale, Her relationship with finnick , haymitch , cinna and even effie was the true highlight in the books.

[@LC-zz4ol]

I like that jonathan isnt afriad to show that even though hes a therapist he still recongizes his mental health isnt always perfect! Thank you!

[@lesliea.6440]

Agreed very refreshing to see.

[@liskavanrijin]

That was SO strong man!

[@alhena11]

The book is generally viewed as a silly young adult story, while it's actually of high quality, regarding story, themes and characters. I remember being very impressed by the depiction of not only the horrible totalirian regime, but also the perverse rebellion movement. The themes about war propadanda are enormously strong, and it actually made me to take this franchise seriously. My sister got me into the movies first, I remember watching the first movie and was impressed by it's rawness, it wasn't just silly "young adult rebellion" drama. I got into the books after all the movies, and while the book is still quite generally better, especially regarding Katniss character, her motivations and inner thoughts, the movies did hell of a good job of an adaptation.

[@katthekitkatbar]

I think a part of why The Hunger Games started being seen like that is because it (in?)directly caused the sudden trend in dystopian YA novels- some of which weren't as well executed as the hunger games series

[@anushrees4981]

It is not viewed as silly. In fact with her prequel- Collins proved how well thought her plot and world-building is.

[@meganhartmann180]

@@katthekitkatbar Agreed! After the Hunger Games series took off, it inspired many other series like it, sort of like how "Lord of the Rings" inspired many, many other fantasy novels that followed its publication. However, I think in both cases, the first series executed the ideas and themes the best.

[@lemonsoda2940]

I love the little details in hunger games that make it so much more amazing. Like the fact that when rue says "you have to win" as she's dying, katniss looks at the boy she's killed because she knows that to win means to endure more death and more guilt- to win means to kill other children. And the fact that the song katniss sings is a song that's sung to children to get them to sleep, if you look at the lyrics she basically says if you go to sleep you will wake up in a place much safer and warmer than this world, it represents how this world is so cruel that in dying, rue will be saved from the hellish world she lives in.

[@AlexisVandom]

Interesting fact: in the book, Katniss shot Marvel (Rue's killer) through the throat, which was arguably more gruesome and affected her a bit differently than the killshot in the movie. Also interesting fact: in Mockingjay, Katniss actually shot and killed an innocent Capitol citizen in her own home, but they changed it for the film adaptation. I wish they hadn't, though. It really screwed with her mind in the book.

[@somethingabstractiguess]

I do wish the film had included that to show that even heroes make horrible mistakes amidst the chaos of war. However, I’m not sure that her dealing with that is super relevant to the dramatic core of the story, which is her trying to protect her loved ones despite the war.

[@Monicalia]

They actually filmed the scene of Katniss killing that Capitol women, but they didn't include it in the movie. I remember watching a video someone who was near the set took. Too bad, it was a quick but a powerful scene.

[@lilacfantasy4]

They were trying to keep it pg-13.

[@muskaantrivedi6037]

"J-Law is the truth, man." truer words haven't been spoken

[@JPTLN]

When he said that at the beginning, I actually thought Jude Law before Jennifer Lawrence. 😂

[@cowgremlin11]

it makes me so glad that people are looking at the hunger games nowadays and realizing just how great it is. i remember when i was younger and the books were coming out everyone around me was just brushing them off as teen girl books even though the story is so much more than its love triangle. like, i still think about when katniss shot coin. that scene was incredible, especially when snow starts laughing up blood as the citizens swarm him

[@ibvghgfvbnbc]

It came out in tbe era immediately after Twilight saga. Back then its about how good tbe story is and how popular, even if the themes of The Hunger Games and Twilight are different

[@SuperFilmregisseur]

I feel exactly the same. Even though I saw it 3 years ago, through the years it feels good that now people are back on it. I definitely regret not seeing them as they came out cuz I literally thought it would be a twilight thing with a love triangle, and in some ways it did become that with Mockingjay 1 & 2 lol - but the first movie remains the best movie I will ever see, I just can't picture any film more perfect to me, with the same emotional power from one person to a whole civilization.

[@reh2157]

Prim's screams as Gale carries her away haunt me. I cry every time. I'm the younger sibling, and the idea of my brother giving his life to save mine and I'm not able to do anything about it breaks me.

[@maikenelissen3767]

I started crying as soon as they started talking about Rue. But as always with Cinema Therapy, I'm sure it will change from "I'm dying inside"-sobbing to "This is too beautiful for this world"-crying.

[@philopharynx7910]

JLaw is the master of holding different conflicting emotions and letting you know about all of them. 100% earned her oscar.

[@jlcollins14]

My next pet's name is going to be Fluger Fleegenbottom! I had a super hard time getting into this series when it first came out. I couldn't reconcile murdering children as entertainment fictionally. I thought it was a grotesque method of developing a character to be a hero. What I ended up connecting with was the social justice aspect of the series. How people came together to put an end to something so detestable despite their fears of the Capital. In the end, I think the humanity aspects are what makes this series stand out. We see the worst and then the best of people. I feel that is what we all want in the world. We see the dredges of society and we become disheartened and hopeless that things will never get better. But when one person takes a stand, it changes so much. Looking forward to part two.

[@bessieburnet9816]

"I couldn't reconcile murdering children as entertainment" is exactly what the book condemns and tackles from day one.

[@jlcollins14]

@@bessieburnet9816 obviously.

[@cherusiderea1330]

Not directly related to the video, but a nice anecdote about Jennifer Lawrence. So, the world premiere of Mockingjay part 2 took place in my city bc they filmed it in Berlin, so I went to the premiere (I mean I stood outside the red carpet), waiting in the cold for the actors and actresses to appear. Josh and Liam got there first and I, standing in the middle of a bunch of 13 year olds, almost lost my hearing. Anyways, then Jennifer's car arrived DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF US and I had prepared a page in my notebook where I had (old-fashioned as I am) glued pictures of the main cast with a line underneath each picture so they could sign their autographs. And Jennifer actually came to me, put her pen down on the other side of the notebook, looked at the page for a second and put her name exactly on the line I had drawn beforehand. It was so nice of her, she could've just ignored the pictures and signed anywhere. I still have the autograph and my fond memory :)

[@silverkyre]

Thats so sweet

[@Skunglybungle]

That’s so awesome

[@sierraward4791]

Can we talk about the choice of color in the "reaping" scene? The colder colors, grays and whites and the feeling of coldness you get. There is no cheer in that scene, and you feel it, you feel the fear and the sadness that everyone is feeling in that scene. I love it

[@mikegould6590]

Katniss came off as grounded in a world where "chosen one" and "over the top" were the norm for heroes. JL made this performance inspiring because it showed what a regular, albeit talented, individual with a strong ethical and moral center could do. I'll admit, though, my favorite scene in the first movie was "thank you for your consideration". It DEFINED her defiance to be a tool for someone's entertainment. Perfection.

[@checkmate1860]

I will never Be able to reconcile Alan's impostor syndrome with the beautiful, thecnical, perfectly understandable explanation he gives about the film making of the movies. In this video in particular, his explanation of handheld camera filming, shindler's list inspiration and emotional perspective is just so on point, masterfully worded and confident. I know some mental health issues are not rational, I have struggled with them myself, all I wanna say is "Alan, you might think you don't know what you are doing, but everyone that can hear you explaining cinema can tell you absolutely do know." Love you all

[@Vicky-po6ve]

Absolutely agree with you. I used to not enjoy movies because I didn't understand film making and I've learned SO MUCH from Alan and have since started loving cinema and always try to remember the things he says and look for them when I watch movies. Thank you Alan!

[@angelscorner4456]

I really like how this video basically compiled every instance in which Katniss chose kindness and compassion because, although it wasn't that well portrayed in the movies, the whole choosing between Peeta or Gale was actually her choosing kindness/compassion/trusting that things can get better instead of anger/ impulsiveness/ destruction. SPOILER ALERT IF YOU WANT TO READ THE BOOKS/HAVEN'T WATCHED ALL THE MOVIES I always quote the last paragraph of the book, and the part I like the most is "...what I needed to survive is not Gale's fire, kindled with rage and hatred. I have plenty of fire myself. What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again."

[@Eva-vd8os]

The hunger games is SUCH an intense story, and everytime I rewatch it I cry. It's SO horrifying yet so POWERFUL. Love that you are doing a series on it!

[@asenailaydayetkin7608]

Books crushed me emotionally over and over again still I love to read them repeatedly. Worldbuilding and reality comes straight out and you are sucked into Katniss' point of view . Movies are great in terms of catching up with what is going on with districts and outside of Katniss' knowledge but books are what draw you into the hunger games world.

[@derhak727]

same. cant tell how many times ive read the books and will continue to reread them

[@elizabethfriel7670]

I feel like an analysis of peeta's family life would be interesting, seeing as how often it's overlooked for Katniss's family trauma.

[@mommyslittlegamer883]

@@L_kid2 it's not because he's a male, it's because he's not the main character. all of the other characters have their family life and trauma overlooked in favor of developing katniss's character. it's just a matter of how much extra runtime it would've added to the movies.

[@gandalfthewhite.5245]

@@L_kid2not really. It’s cause most of Peeta’s family isn’t important and they’re not that important to the overall story.

[@TestingPyros]

Katniss volunteering is one of the MOST emotionally powerful moments in ANY story anywhere. Period.

[@musical_kait]

As a therapist myself and a movie lover, these videos really do something to me. I love getting to hear how you explain things from both of your professions and have even suggested your videos to clients! Thank you for the hardwork you put forth; it does not go unappreciated.

[@sierramolinary]

i remember my mom getting upset when she found out i had borrowed the first hunger games book to read it in middle school. and she did say rather verbatim “it’s kids killing kids that’s horrible” completely not even trying to understand the point of the story. and watching this with you guys explaining and commenting with so much wisdom is honestly very powerful. also that katniss and rue scene hit me so much harder than the first time i watched the movie oh my god.

[@Bazzi69]

Your mom sounds like a nightmare

[@differnet]

I would also like you to do Peeta Melark, who has always reminded me of a Christ-like figure. He feeds with bread, he lives for others, and is willing to die for others. He's not a hero in the traditional sense, but he makes the world better.

[@rosefong65]

I aligned Peeta with Samwise Gamgee, also a hero who doesn't fit the mold, whose kindness is his greatest strength, and who likes to feed people.

[@sirenrose31]

As a veteran and a psych student, I’ve been waiting for an analysis of Katniss. She holds a special place in my heart and her altruism/PTSD speaks to so many. Thank you for doing this.

[@nelanhtariley2254]

The scenes with Katniss and Rue is what made me really like this movie. The INSANE part about this scene is that there were people who watched this and said that they couldn't relate or feel something from Rue's death. They couldn't sympathize or empathize with her in that moment. They said that they couldn't connect with a 12 year old child dying! Also keep in mind that these were the same people who said that they hated the actress playing Rue and were enraged that a black girl was filling the role.

[@PS-dm1dq]

Racism is still alive and well here in the good ol' USA... 😞

[@leahdragon]

She's literally described as dark skinned in the books... How are people mad about this?

[@nelanhtariley2254]

@@leahdragon Some people were saying that the description meant "olived toned" or "tanned". Making her black was too much for them apparently. Its the stupidity of racism at its best. 😑🙄😒

[@leahdragon]

@@nelanhtariley2254 In the books the direct quote is 'dark brown skin and eyes'.... I don't know how that would mean olive toned or tanned. Literally dark brown would imply... Dark brown.... Like she is in the films, if anything, she's pretty light skinned in the films compared to what I expected from her description. Racists will just be mad about anything 💀

[@frostfang1]

A lot of the issue for me is that the way they filmed that scene was just...like they did a good job, but the way the *book* did it? And the order of events...idk I thought it was the most emotionally impact full the way it was done in the book. It's one of those scenes that I realllllyyy looked forward to when I knew they were making that movie...and then, as emotional as it was, I was disappointed. I really wish they had filmed it like in the book and that there was a "cut" of it you could choose to watch.

[@ChincerDante]

One of my favorite parts of the books is how katniss covers rue with flowers in a very ceremonial and compassioned way despite the fact her body was going to be pick by the area, just because it wasn't going to last it didn't stop her from spending time she didn't have in making that out of grief and respect

[@renanice8486]

I'd love to see you guys react and talk about "howl's moving castle" or " spirited away" those are really good animated films to look at plus studio ghibli is a great film studio that brought really good movies that have so much meaning to them

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Only problem is that Studio Ghibli is also super protective of their films and will copyright strike it.

[@Keekers3299]

Howls moving castle is my favorite studio ghibli movie but I feel spirited away would be better for cinema therapy, following a little girl on her journey to get her parents back.

[@starsun6363]

They mentioned in their live stream that they are planning to do quite a few of the Ghilbi movies, if not they've already recorded their reactions to a few of them, but still need to be edited and posted on the internet.

[@marallenrondez2606]

@@Keekers3299 Howl's Moving Castle does have cases where they can cover self-esteem with Sophie and Howl

[@marallenrondez2606]

I would love them to do Burning Out from work in Kiki's Delivery Service or Chihiro's arc in Spirited Away

[@cathycat4989]

I feel like integrity vs survival is Katniss' character arc in the first book/film. She goes in with the goal to survive, but comes out practicing the kind of moral self preservation Peeta preached before the games

[@twitchyfox5943]

You know it's gonna be a good one when the intro alone has you tearing up.

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

These movies! 😭 every time!

[@WarriorDan]

I was wondering when you were going to get around to The Hunger Games. I've repeatedly read and watched the books & films, and the plot may have more holes than swiss cheese, but the author had some really interesting ways of handling grief, trauma, and trust. The actual hunger games themselves are imo the most boring aspects of the books, whereas the interpersonal moments, the human drama, is where the series has always really excelled. Also, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland eat up every scene they're in, despite being side characters.

[@trinaq]

Precisely, it's one of my favourite franchises, and while the story can get more than a little chaotic at times, all of the characters are fully fleshed out and nuanced, particularly the side characters.

[@WarriorDan]

@@trinaq I would mostly agree with you. I think there are quite a few exceptions, mostly in the third book, but there are so many problems with the final book, I could spend hours dissecting it, and frankly I've got better things to do with my time, lol.

[@chb_dlx]

omg i need to read the series again, where are the plot holes???????

[@fmj1978]

@@WarriorDan personally the third book is my favorite I think it depicts what going through a war is like very well yea it does feel rushed in the end and Katniss’s feelings are all over the place but that was the correct way the depict it when you think about how katniss is feeling mentally she’s in a constant fight or flight state and has to always be on her toes and that’s a lot for anyone. I’d love to hear you opinion but understand if you really don’t want to get into it haha

[@candelariagarlot8666]

@@WarriorDan oooh yeah, i agree with you. I would summarize the problems with the third book in: the author didn't create a good narrative flow, specially plot twists. Katniss ends up unconscious a lot of times through the story, and the 'trick' is, when she wakes up, a game changer happened while she was out (✨plotwist✨). In that sense, the protagonist is left pretty much aside from the narrative Still a good story, all in all

[@jillianrayca3499]

The books go into Katniss's mind so much more deeply, as it is in first person pov. Especially in Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins really fleshes out how truly traumatized Katniss was by the games. Highly recommend

[@Monicalia]

One of the very few adaptations which I love as much as the books. Also about Katniss: people put her on the same list of female protagonists with ''white flour personality'' (meaning she's bland and boring) but in her case her personally is very much understanable? She was born into severe poverty, since age 12 was the breadwinner of the family due to her father dying in mine accident and mother falling into deep depression, almost starving to death, and all with the perspective of being sent to death for entertainment. She had NO TIME to develop a quirky, cute personality (not to say it's not possible to have an interesting personality in such heavy conditions, but you know what I mean), she was too busy trying to survive. ''But somehow she still manages to have two boys loving her'' - they had crush on her, again, not for her sunny personality, but for insane bravery, cool in the face of danger, perseverance and - in Gale's case - practicality & mutual care for each other's family. And I found her very relatable in being very strict with who she cares about.

[@sitzpinkler1294]

Well, maybe the conditions make Katniss to be more like that, but it was primary her inner personality. Because Prim was her sister and she was the sweetest and cute person she knew, but Katniss roughness was what helped her to survive before the games when she and her sister were starving. About the list of female bland protagonist, is just silly. Maybe created by people who didn’t watch all the movies or read the books. Even though she was a bit plain (that’s why Peeta was in charge of representing them in public) and shy, that’s how a person could be. Not all the protagonists have to be a sunshine. But, that doesn’t mean her story is less interesting. All that happens to her and how she still stands is amazing. That’s because good character writing.

[@Altymamma]

“Gale is kind and supportive” the same way every “nice guy” is with their friendzone friend. It’s the most self centered character in the book and even more in the movies

[@cicadeus7741]

Gale loves katniss, but doesnt respect her intelligence. He sees her as something to protect, like a child. And, when she outgrows that, he turns on her cause, and on her.

[@gdesiree29]

Gale is really toxic

[@catherine.marial]

Gale is kind and supportive only in book 1, after that he slowly but surely becomes worse

[@gdesiree29]

@@catherine.marial 100% He got butthurt and annoying in CF then he became selfish and toxic in MJ

[@rebeccaa.245]

God I could not stand Gale

[@JKerr97]

05:25 this voice crack always leds me to tears. I dont know what exactly it is thats making me this emotional at this specifically scene, but Im the oldest sister out of four and I kinda see myself in Katniss in there. Not so much in her bravery in the rest of the movies, but in that scene right after that, when she realizes on that stage what consequences this volenteering brings - is excatly me.

[@daqueenaannastal2202]

No i am literally the same

[@ravendevino6419]

Yep, that howl has me clutching at my chest and flinching hardcore.

[@Thedegu]

While I adore these films I have to put out my one major adaptation issue. They removed all of the disabled characters, Peta lost his leg in the first book and Katnes her hearing in one ear. The Avoxes were a huges subplot and the majority of the contestants in the quarter quarrel were disabled in some way. Like I still love the films and I think that they are masterpieces in adaptation but as a disabled person it suuuuuucked seeing those plot points removed. Not throwing shade I'd rather have the films then not lmao. Love the content you guys keep it up!

[@Amberk1985]

I am also disabled and totally agree. The disabled were cut out and that is not ok. It was a large part of the books.

[@Mira_White]

After Peeta and Katniss won in the first book, didn't the Capitol surgically "fix them up" to make them more "presentable" for PR purposes? Like, I'm pretty sure, they at least patched up flesh wounds and fixed Katniss's ear.... I know it's been a long time since I last read the books, but I remember noticing that the game-makers tried to minimize the phsyical evidence of just how much they suffered in order to better show them off to all of their adoring "fans" and thought it was another great example of the games being portrayed to the residents of the Capitol as fun entertainment at the expense of real, suffering people.

[@starsun6363]

@@Mira_White Yeah, I definitely remember they fixed her hearing. Wish they'd kept Peeta's leg though.

[@Pippa87]

@@Mira_White yes and then this was a major subplot in the second game because when katniss could see the force field she played it like “oh I can hear it buzzing, did the Capitol doctors fix my ear TOO good?” A little sense of her trying to get those complicit in her suffering to be punished.

[@amyaccount7935]

@Riley Pruitt i am not disabled, but I, too, think they should've left all those stories in, it gives the world so much more darkness and harshness. Not able to pay your bills? Rip that tongue out! Oh, you've tried to take an apple that is meant to be served in the Capitol just because you are starving? Aww, too bad.. cut that arm off! You are too young to get Tessera stones to get a minimum of food every month in exchange for multiplying or name in the bowl? Well... prostitution it is for you my friend! I understand with all the deps, with the backgroundinformation, with the side charakters that are important to Katniss but only appear a couple of times, it would be too much to film and too hard for movie-people to keep track of... book people are more used to multiple tracks in one or more timelines, dozends of important characters, but there simply is no room in a movie for this... But at least the minimum of visual representation- maybe some shots of Peetas new leg, or more information on how (Duke? Haymitch's best friend with one arm, sorry, I'm super weak with names.. :( ) had lost his arm, why Annie is such a fragil character or even the 'boy from distric 5 with the bad foot' would had been nice...

[@bethwoodward9437]

Oh man…I think this hit much harder than it did when I first read the book and watched the movie because I’m a parent now. The clips of Rue’s death broke me. I saw Suzanne Collins speak about the books at the National Book Festival years ago, and she talked about how she was inspired by her father, who was a Vietnam veteran with PTSD. A lot of people seem to miss that aspect when they talk about these stories: that Katniss’s journey is deeply impacted by the trauma she suffers, and that even when the Capitol is defeated that trauma doesn’t really go away. I took the epilogue to mean that, although things had gotten better for Katniss, there was a part of her that continued to look over her shoulder, continued waiting for the other shoe to drop, and wouldn’t never really stop. The rebellion and the war breaks Katniss in a way that can never entirely be fixed.

[@silverkyre]

People hate that its ends with and Peeta having had kids. As ahe mentions that she was reluctant but Peeta really wanted kids and that its hard for her not to be scared. But its kind of the point Katniss never wanted kids because if the potential of them being in the hunger games. After everything is said and done she is free to actually have kids and a family without that danger being present but her trauma means she was still terrified. But she did it anyway despite that trauma. She didn't let the trauma hold her back from what she decided. Despite the fact that she was scared and that its difficult and she understands that one day she will need to explain it to her little boy and girl. She starts the series unable to think about expanding her family because of the place she lives in. And changing that world leaves her almost too scared and tramatized to go ahead with that. But in the end even tho its difficult and scary she gets to decide and go through with than plan. The effects will always be with her but shes found a way to move forward.

[@jamieculp8291]

The reason I think Rue's death is so sad is partly because of her age, but also because she is such a pure soul. It sort of makes you wonder what would have happened had managed to be one of the last people alive.

[@stormfischerr]

Katniss is seriously one of my favorite characters ever. Suzanne Collins captured something so raw and relatable, which is weird to say about this series at first, but it’s really true. she is the best and realest representation of abuse and PTSD that I’ve ever read or seen on screen. and yet, she rebels against the part of her that tells her to be cold to people back, and she gives people so much kindness instead. I guess I relate to her a lot.

[@murraynatkie7490]

For once I was crying before Alan. Didn't know I needed this Episode.

[@graciecake__8408]

That intro was PERFECT. It PERFECTLY encapsulates what the Hunger Games is. The score, the cinematography, the PLOT. OH, THE PLOT. Not a love story but a story of a poor broken girl pushed into a position she doesn't want but takes to SURVIVE. Tribute, lover, soldier

[@perfecttenchannel]

I've always thought that the central message of the hunger games stories was a metaphor about overcoming the darkest parts of human nature. First, there is Katniss compassion in volunteering and during the hunger games. Even more than that, I love that she recognizes that the evil part of human nature is the problem and it isn't as simple as one person or group being right or wrong. When she chooses to shoot Coin instead of getting revenge on Snow at great personal cost, she has already overcome evil human nature in herself, and in that moment she makes way for Panem to also be free.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

Oooh, I've been waiting for an episode on The Hunger Games! There is so much trauma and grief in all of the characters, you could do an episode on every single one. 😭

[@trinaq]

Agreed, all of the characters are so fascinating, that they could get their own episodes, particularly Finnick, Haymitch and Peeta.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

@@trinaq Maybe they will one day! I hope so! :D

[@shadowboxing7029]

I just want to point out that Amandla Stenburg was amazing here. I was completely and utterly invested in Rue, that's just how good she is. She had such a small amount of screen time and yet nothing else impacted me as hard as her loss. Quality child actor's a hard to come by, not an easy job for adults to even do.

[@gryfon_gamez8184]

I always found it fascinating that prim was more scared of the prospect of katniss dying than the prospect of herself dying

[@PS-dm1dq]

Yeah thats called loving someone.

[@JumpingMagikarp]

I had an amazing college professor, he assigned Man's Search for Meaning and that book changed me. Not only because I'm Jewish, but just his approach to documenting the experience was so different from others. Almost detached or objective, but still focused on other people's emotions and motivtions. I actually just reread it last month. Great stuff!

[@JumpingMagikarp]

@@gracehaven5459 They talked about the book...

[@amayaayamademon]

The acting in this moving is amazing. And as an older sister who has protected their younger one through everything and would do anything for her, I resonate with Katniss so much.

[@MFLapin]

Yes me too❤

[@TempestuousInquiry]

I read the Hunger Games books as they were coming out when I was in high school. (I wasn't a HUGE fan of the movies, but Jennifer Lawrence CRUSHED it.) I was able to sympathize and relate to Katniss so much because in the books, she's constantly talking in the beginning about how she doesn't want to do this. She was living day by day caring for her sister because her mother can't, content to hunt with her friend. And something else that crushed me was that neither choice was good. She either had to let her sister essentially go off to her death, or leave her with her mother who Primrose would have to basically take care of. And despite already having so much trauma she's thrown into this world and journey that really doesn't do much but pile on more trauma. It was a stressful read all the way through and the ending hardly felt satisfying, but what made it great was how real that made everything feel.

[@silverkyre]

Her mother was already back from being comatose at this point. Her mother was only pike that after Katniss's father died. She could take care of Prim however Katniss does berate her with the possibility that if Katniss dies die her mother might slip into that level of depression again, so she tells her mother she cant because she has to take care of Prim. And even then. Even tho it would be difficult she knows Gale will take care of her sister. Shes never going to be in that situation of the point of starvation again. But its still scary either way.

[@lyn3325]

I really loved the family her and Gale had going in the books. They hunted for all of those kids-- his siblings and her sister. I notated in the book that it would be so much harder to feed all of the kids with her gone and Gale doing everything. The combination of everyone she was leaving behind when she became tribute was heart wrenching.