Chapter 13 - Katniss absorbs the fact that she is going back; Katniss asks Haymitch to help her save Peeta; the scene in her bedroom where she is overcome by what she's got to do again; Peeta steps up and takes charge; the reaping
Chapter 14 - Watching the reaping recap on the train ride; watching Haymitch's tape; Madge's aunt is called (This is what Kat's mom mentioned before!)... I need to re-read that section.
Chapter 15 - The next prep from Kat's team; the next chariot entrance "We are unforgiving"; meeting some of the other Victor-Tributes; Kat's new Avox
Just some quotes...
"They, or I should say we, are the very embodiment of hope where there is no hope. And now twenty-three of us will be killed to show how even that hope was an illusion." p 175
"While I was wallowing around on the floor of that cellar, thinking only of myself, he was here, thinking only of my. Shame isn't a strong enough word for what I feel." p 177
"We're going to wtach their Games and learn everything we can about how they fight. We're going to put on weight and get strong. We're going to start acting like Caerres. And one of us is going to be victor again whether you two like it or not!" p 183
The reaping was so much different than the first time around. Both times there was dread, but this was different. The only word I can think that fits is oppressive. It really fits the whole mood best. The weather, the guards, etc. I even felt badly for Effie, annoying as she is. "And I'm left staring out the window, watching District 12 disappear, with all my good-byes stil' hanging on my lips." p 187 I was so pissed that they took Peeta and Katniss away without their goodbyes, but it makes so much sense when we are talking about the plot. If the Capitol is cracking down, why would they let the Tributes have mushy good-byes?
One sentence that caught my attention on the train ride was the one about 75 victors. I had to stop for a moment and go "Wait a second, they're on the 75th Games!...oh, oh wait. That's right... two winners in the 74th Games." And thinking about it now, the 59 living victors spread over 12 districts...that isn't many at all. Given just 60 divided by 12 and you get 5; 5 total average per District. Thinking about it that way... it really hits you. For some reason, I was imagining that District 12 was the only one with such a small pool. Even where Katniss says "every district has managed to scrape up at least 1 female and 1 male victor" I kind of skimmed over that.
Having been so caught up in Katniss, I didn't even think about the other Victor's possible reactions. We feel the betrayal for Katniss....but I think it is even worse for the other Victors. They were already pulled into the area one time as a punishment for something they didn't do...but now, assuming this is in part revenge against Katniss and part trying to exert control over the Districts, it's even worse. They've already won once, they are the heroes/ hope of their Districts. They expected to be taken care of for the rest of their lives. And now they are tossed back in. How shitty (excuse my french!) Another thought just dawned on me... what if this isn't just about punishing Katniss. That is kind of how I've been viewing this situation. Just another way President Snow could punish her rebellion. But just like the Games were set up originally to punish the Districts... what if it really is just that? (Am I talking in circles now?)
I also wanted to quick mention the woman who was called and had kids (what a terrible and different experience) and watching Haymitch's tape. And how a lot of the other years of the Hunger Games seemed way worse than what Peeta and Katniss faced in the 74th. Ugh- and Madge's Aunt too. There is too much to talk about. ;)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Chapters 10-12
This is how much I like you girls... I am sitting in bed writing a late night post for the next section of chapters. Not only that, but I am doing it while wearing a pair of vinyl gloves which cover my lotioned hands. It is my attempt to get my hands all nice and moisturized after washing dishes and cleaning countertops tonight. Brad may cook for me, but he just doesn't get how dry the cleanup makes your hands! Anyway...
Part 2 - The Quell
Chapter 10 - at the end of Chapter 9,our Heroine was taking herself on a nice stroll thru the forbidden forest (i mean woods); Katniss meets Twill and Bonnie from District 8 who, it turns out, are not peacekeepers; they ran away during the uprising in D8. They explain their story as well as their plan to get on to D13; Katniss's gives them all her food and almost electrocutes herself on the now Live fence.
Chapter 11 - Kat is able to get over the fence by using a tree, falling, and injuring herself; two Peacekeepers are waiting for her when she gets home in order to let her know that the fence is now live; the whole family sticks together and acts their part in the innocence game; Peeta and Katniss actually spend real time together; Katniss watches a newscast with a piece about D13; the news report was just put on top of the old footage
Chapter 12 - Katniss's prep team arrives for the wedding dress photo shoot; the special the next night about the dresses; the Quarter Quell recap and announcement
"It took less than forty-eight hours to subdue the city. Then, for a week, there was a lockdown. No food, no coal, everyone forbidden to leave their homes." (p145)
this just struck me as showing the military might that the Capitol still has.
"and we think the Capitol leaves them alone because, before the Dark Days, District Thirteen's principal industry was nuclear development" (p 147) Holy moly, my jaw dropped at that! I would leave them alone too!
Katniss's mother's short story of her friend who went to the 50th year quarter quell really stuck with me. Her mom doesn't show up too much, but we get very interesting insight from her. Until now, we have mostly sympathized with the adults sending their children away. And of course,Katniss volunteering for Prim. But that her friend was chosen... It emphasizes the fact that the Games affect everyone.
"on the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from the existing pool of victors." p172
I don't know about you two, but that seems awfully suspicious to me,I do not believe that someone made up those cards 75 years ago. I have a feeling they were written specifically because what is happening. I want to talk about what this means and everything else that happended more, but my brain is mush, and the gloves are annoying the heck out of me to type in. Have at it!
Part 2 - The Quell
Chapter 10 - at the end of Chapter 9,our Heroine was taking herself on a nice stroll thru the forbidden forest (i mean woods); Katniss meets Twill and Bonnie from District 8 who, it turns out, are not peacekeepers; they ran away during the uprising in D8. They explain their story as well as their plan to get on to D13; Katniss's gives them all her food and almost electrocutes herself on the now Live fence.
Chapter 11 - Kat is able to get over the fence by using a tree, falling, and injuring herself; two Peacekeepers are waiting for her when she gets home in order to let her know that the fence is now live; the whole family sticks together and acts their part in the innocence game; Peeta and Katniss actually spend real time together; Katniss watches a newscast with a piece about D13; the news report was just put on top of the old footage
Chapter 12 - Katniss's prep team arrives for the wedding dress photo shoot; the special the next night about the dresses; the Quarter Quell recap and announcement
"It took less than forty-eight hours to subdue the city. Then, for a week, there was a lockdown. No food, no coal, everyone forbidden to leave their homes." (p145)
this just struck me as showing the military might that the Capitol still has.
"and we think the Capitol leaves them alone because, before the Dark Days, District Thirteen's principal industry was nuclear development" (p 147) Holy moly, my jaw dropped at that! I would leave them alone too!
Katniss's mother's short story of her friend who went to the 50th year quarter quell really stuck with me. Her mom doesn't show up too much, but we get very interesting insight from her. Until now, we have mostly sympathized with the adults sending their children away. And of course,Katniss volunteering for Prim. But that her friend was chosen... It emphasizes the fact that the Games affect everyone.
"on the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from the existing pool of victors." p172
I don't know about you two, but that seems awfully suspicious to me,I do not believe that someone made up those cards 75 years ago. I have a feeling they were written specifically because what is happening. I want to talk about what this means and everything else that happended more, but my brain is mush, and the gloves are annoying the heck out of me to type in. Have at it!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Chapter 7-9
I can't help myself girls. Last night I got home from a Christmas party, started reading Chapter 7 in bed, and before I knew it, I was at the cliffhanger of an ending on Chapter 9. To be honest, I probably could have read the entire book last night before I fell asleep. But I made myself stop before the next section. And that is why I bring to you this post about chapters 7-9. My heart is racing just thinking about it.
Chapter 7 - Katniss brings Gale out to the house by the lake to tell him everything and ask him to run away, failing miserably; She asks Peeta to go, and he accepts without a second thought; they are walking home together, when they get to the crowd in the square; <3 Gale <3
Chapter 8 - Gale at the whipping post (my throat starts to close up just thinking about it); the new head Peacekeeper in town; Peeta and Haymitch standing in the way of Gale; Katniss's family tending to Gale, Kat's outburst; Haymitch and Mrs. Everdeen remarking about "it's starting again, like before"; Kat puts herself in Gale's shoes for the first time
Chapter 9 - Changes in district 12: new peacekeepers, new weapons, new punishments, longer hours, less food, less money; the Capitol is lashing out to make sure there isn't another rebellion like in District 8. The next mockingjay run-in.
"A mockingjay is a creature the Capitol never intended to exist. They hadn't counted on the highly controlled jabberjay having the brains to adapt to the wild, to pass on its genetic code, to thrive in a new form." (p 92)
Well if that doesn't just scream metaphor for the entire existence of Panem, I don't know what does. I remember reading it and almost chuckling to myself. I thought "well thank you for summing up your entire book series in these two sentence."A creature the Capitol never intended to exist, highly controlled, adapt to the wild, thrive in a new form...
Gale just broke my heart at the cabin. I knew as soon as he got so happy and so excited that Katniss wanted to run away that he was getting the wrong idea. Clearly he thinks (that at least) she wants to run away and be with him until the end. Possibly he's gotten the idea in his head that she is back to being rebellious? Then he tells her he loves her (my heart melted...and then exploded because I knew what was coming from Katniss). After his dreams have been dashed, Katniss lets it slip about the uprising in 8. Gale once again gets fired up and excited, but Katniss is just afraid. She wants to protect the people she loves. But I find myself thinking: how in the world was she expecting to protect at least 11 people in the wilderness in winter. And expect them all to get along. It's like she was living in a fantasy land.
"What about the other families, Katniss? The ones who can't run away? Dont you see? It can't be about just saving us anymore. Not if the rebellion's begun...You could do so much...I changed my mind. I don't want anything they made in the Capitol." (p 100)
It is so easy to forget that Katniss is just 16 in these stories. She is so young and dealing with so much. I was just thinking to myself about how Katniss seems to have lost her center. But...aren't children always self-centered? You think that the world revolves around you, to a point. That the whole world is exactly the way yours was while you grew up. You just want to have yourself, your family, people that you care about. A lot of this stuff about self-sacrifice, helping out in society, looking out for the greater need... all that is stuff that I am still learning. Always my first reaction is still to protect myself and my interests first. To people I love, I am very giving. But even at that, it is usually after I've reprimanded myself for not thinking about others first. I don't think that I am as naturally good as I think that you two are. I have to stop, think about it, and make a decision about how I want to act. Which almost always the opposite of my first instinct.
All that jabbering is my way of saying: I keep feeling like Kat loses herself and then has to find herself again. But really she is 16. She is still developing. She is still discovering who she is. I identify a lot with that. Because it seems like a lot of her motivation comes from that place of self-preservation. It doesn't come from looking at the whole picture and doing what is actually ethically/morally the good or right thing to do.
Another quote:
"The berries. I realize the answer to who I am lies in that handful of poinsonous fruit. If I held them out to save Peeta because I knew I would be shunned if I came back without him, then I am despicable. If I held them out because I loved him, I am still self-centered, although forgivable. But if I held them out to defy the Capitol, I am someone of worth. The trouble is, I don't know exactly what was going on inside me at that moment." (p. 117)
Last think I want to say is: all in chapter 9 the Capitol seems at work. Making living conditions near to unlivable, enforcing strict law and control. I can only wonder how long that will last until everyone is dead or until everyone decides they have had enough.
Chapter 7 - Katniss brings Gale out to the house by the lake to tell him everything and ask him to run away, failing miserably; She asks Peeta to go, and he accepts without a second thought; they are walking home together, when they get to the crowd in the square; <3 Gale <3
Chapter 8 - Gale at the whipping post (my throat starts to close up just thinking about it); the new head Peacekeeper in town; Peeta and Haymitch standing in the way of Gale; Katniss's family tending to Gale, Kat's outburst; Haymitch and Mrs. Everdeen remarking about "it's starting again, like before"; Kat puts herself in Gale's shoes for the first time
Chapter 9 - Changes in district 12: new peacekeepers, new weapons, new punishments, longer hours, less food, less money; the Capitol is lashing out to make sure there isn't another rebellion like in District 8. The next mockingjay run-in.
"A mockingjay is a creature the Capitol never intended to exist. They hadn't counted on the highly controlled jabberjay having the brains to adapt to the wild, to pass on its genetic code, to thrive in a new form." (p 92)
Well if that doesn't just scream metaphor for the entire existence of Panem, I don't know what does. I remember reading it and almost chuckling to myself. I thought "well thank you for summing up your entire book series in these two sentence."A creature the Capitol never intended to exist, highly controlled, adapt to the wild, thrive in a new form...
Gale just broke my heart at the cabin. I knew as soon as he got so happy and so excited that Katniss wanted to run away that he was getting the wrong idea. Clearly he thinks (that at least) she wants to run away and be with him until the end. Possibly he's gotten the idea in his head that she is back to being rebellious? Then he tells her he loves her (my heart melted...and then exploded because I knew what was coming from Katniss). After his dreams have been dashed, Katniss lets it slip about the uprising in 8. Gale once again gets fired up and excited, but Katniss is just afraid. She wants to protect the people she loves. But I find myself thinking: how in the world was she expecting to protect at least 11 people in the wilderness in winter. And expect them all to get along. It's like she was living in a fantasy land.
"What about the other families, Katniss? The ones who can't run away? Dont you see? It can't be about just saving us anymore. Not if the rebellion's begun...You could do so much...I changed my mind. I don't want anything they made in the Capitol." (p 100)
It is so easy to forget that Katniss is just 16 in these stories. She is so young and dealing with so much. I was just thinking to myself about how Katniss seems to have lost her center. But...aren't children always self-centered? You think that the world revolves around you, to a point. That the whole world is exactly the way yours was while you grew up. You just want to have yourself, your family, people that you care about. A lot of this stuff about self-sacrifice, helping out in society, looking out for the greater need... all that is stuff that I am still learning. Always my first reaction is still to protect myself and my interests first. To people I love, I am very giving. But even at that, it is usually after I've reprimanded myself for not thinking about others first. I don't think that I am as naturally good as I think that you two are. I have to stop, think about it, and make a decision about how I want to act. Which almost always the opposite of my first instinct.
All that jabbering is my way of saying: I keep feeling like Kat loses herself and then has to find herself again. But really she is 16. She is still developing. She is still discovering who she is. I identify a lot with that. Because it seems like a lot of her motivation comes from that place of self-preservation. It doesn't come from looking at the whole picture and doing what is actually ethically/morally the good or right thing to do.
Another quote:
"The berries. I realize the answer to who I am lies in that handful of poinsonous fruit. If I held them out to save Peeta because I knew I would be shunned if I came back without him, then I am despicable. If I held them out because I loved him, I am still self-centered, although forgivable. But if I held them out to defy the Capitol, I am someone of worth. The trouble is, I don't know exactly what was going on inside me at that moment." (p. 117)
Last think I want to say is: all in chapter 9 the Capitol seems at work. Making living conditions near to unlivable, enforcing strict law and control. I can only wonder how long that will last until everyone is dead or until everyone decides they have had enough.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Chapters 4-6
Finally!! This is going to be just a quick post. Kind of open-ended. I may come back and update more later, or write a more in depth comment. Last night I was going to write a post up, but then Brad and I started fighting and it took the wind out of my sails. Boys are dumb. No wonder Katniss doesn't want to get married. ;)
Chapter 4 - Katniss is hit with the reality of having to be married; she also thinks about why Haymitch is still alone (solitary confinement as she calls it); Peeta and Kat makeup (finally!); Peeta's paintings; size and lockdown of District 11; Peetas offer of their earnings and more importantly Kat's speech to the family and District; the Mockingjay whistle, and the final goodbye signal from District 12 that Katniss gave to Rue
Chapter 5 - the crackdown on District 11; Haymitch, Peeta, and Katniss have their discussion in the dome; Peeta is pissed at being left out of the loop; the est of the tour; the engagement (kind of got glazed over); President Snow's appearance at the end of the Chapter, his 'imperceptible shake of his head.'
Chapter 6 - katniss' reaction to his denial that she has done enough; the party; the newest Gamemaker that has the disappearing Mockingjay on his watch.
Was the final goodbye a signal? Something more than just giving her back the sign that she gave rue? Was it a sign of solidarity? Their final goodbye? Do they even known it means a final goodbye, or were they JUST doing the sign of love that they saw Katniss give Rue? Or is their way of saying "we accept what will happen if we do this, knowing it might be taken as a sign of rebellion against the Capitoal"? Too many questions!
Why in the world is Katniss RELIEVED with Snow?? I would be terrified. What else could he expect? What will the outcome be?? I think she is being a little too positive, but I guess that she has to have some relieve sometime. What d you girls think?
I also wanted to talk about the Gamemaker. I don't think that it is an accident that he pulled out his watch and showed Katniss the Mockingjay. And then asked that she tell no one 'about the meeting'... I think that he may secretly support any rebellion that might be stirring. Then again, I always look too deep into things. On the other hand, it makes it more exciting trying to guess what is important, what is foreshadowing, what will come up again later.
and lastly I want to say that I am glad that Peeta and Katniss are sleeping together ate night. I want to talk more about that, but I need to go to work. ;)
Chapter 4 - Katniss is hit with the reality of having to be married; she also thinks about why Haymitch is still alone (solitary confinement as she calls it); Peeta and Kat makeup (finally!); Peeta's paintings; size and lockdown of District 11; Peetas offer of their earnings and more importantly Kat's speech to the family and District; the Mockingjay whistle, and the final goodbye signal from District 12 that Katniss gave to Rue
Chapter 5 - the crackdown on District 11; Haymitch, Peeta, and Katniss have their discussion in the dome; Peeta is pissed at being left out of the loop; the est of the tour; the engagement (kind of got glazed over); President Snow's appearance at the end of the Chapter, his 'imperceptible shake of his head.'
Chapter 6 - katniss' reaction to his denial that she has done enough; the party; the newest Gamemaker that has the disappearing Mockingjay on his watch.
Was the final goodbye a signal? Something more than just giving her back the sign that she gave rue? Was it a sign of solidarity? Their final goodbye? Do they even known it means a final goodbye, or were they JUST doing the sign of love that they saw Katniss give Rue? Or is their way of saying "we accept what will happen if we do this, knowing it might be taken as a sign of rebellion against the Capitoal"? Too many questions!
Why in the world is Katniss RELIEVED with Snow?? I would be terrified. What else could he expect? What will the outcome be?? I think she is being a little too positive, but I guess that she has to have some relieve sometime. What d you girls think?
I also wanted to talk about the Gamemaker. I don't think that it is an accident that he pulled out his watch and showed Katniss the Mockingjay. And then asked that she tell no one 'about the meeting'... I think that he may secretly support any rebellion that might be stirring. Then again, I always look too deep into things. On the other hand, it makes it more exciting trying to guess what is important, what is foreshadowing, what will come up again later.
and lastly I want to say that I am glad that Peeta and Katniss are sleeping together ate night. I want to talk more about that, but I need to go to work. ;)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Catching Fire, Chapters 1-3
OK ladies, we have finally made it to posting about Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins; this is the second book of The Hunger Games trilogy.
Part 1- The Spark
Chapater 1 - Our first glimpse into Katniss's life post-Games. She is back to hunting to occupy her time. Now alone every day but Sunday since Gale has gone to work in the mines. Gale is now Kat's 'cousin'; Katniss wakes Haymitch up and then goes home to find President Snow in her home.
Chapter 2 - President Snow's visit, still pissed about Kat's rebellion at the games; He also reveals that there is dissention among the ranks of the Districts which he attributes to her; Katniss reveals her kiss in the woods which President Snow knows about; President Snow requests that Katniss basically put down the swelling rebellious mood; she needs to convince the country (and him) that her berry act was love-struck and not sticking it to Capitol.
Chapter 3 - Katniss gets prepped for the tour: enter Venia, Octavia, and Flavius; Katniss finally sees them a bit more as people when they are so attentive and polite while Kat's mom shows them the braided hairstyle; we learn that Kat's "talent" is clothing design; she ploughs Peeta over, tells Haymitch about President Snow, and realizes that she has to marry Peeta to keep everyone safe from the President's threats.
"I wish I could go back to it becuase, in retrospect, it seems so secure compared with now, when I am so rich and so famous and so hated by the authoritities in the Capitol." (p 7)
How funny that a life of never knowing what (or when) your next meal will be is more secure than a life of "luxury." Of course, that luxury comes at a very steep price. Really, there are no winners in the Hunger Games.
"A guttural animal sound comes from his throat. He jumps up, kicking his chair ten feet behind him and wielding a knife. I forgot that he always sleeps with one clutched in his hand." (p 13)
and
"He doesn't like to sleep when it's dark out." (p 42)
We finally get a taste more about Haymitch; we already suspect that he drinks himself into oblivion because of (a) his time in the games and (b) never having a tribure come through alive. And now this makes me think that he still has all that emotional and mental trauma: sleeping with a knife? Obviously he suspects that someone is going to come and try to get him in his sleep. What awful nightmares he must have to sleep witha knife clenched in his fist.
Why didn't Katniss (or we) assume that they were being videoed before. It only makes sense! With the tight grip that Capitol usually has. You would imagine they have cameras everywhere. And what a shock/invasion of privacy! To a point, I'm sure that the Capitol would allow some law-breaking and some rebellious talk. Almost like a control on the system. Maybe they have always monitored the woods. But allow the youngsters to have their talk and bad words about the Capitol when they don't think they are being watched. Because back in the village, they never say anything. What do you girls think? Do you think surveillence is a new thing? Maybe an old thing that wasn't heavily monitored? Maybe the Capitol leaves the electric fence off on purpose... to make sure that the black market keeps spinning in District 12. Give the people just enough hope that they can scrape by. But keep them destitute enough that they still depend on the system working. (I love a good conspiracy!)
"In fact, all three are so readily respectful and nice eto my mother that I feel bad about how I go around feeling so superior to them. Who knows who I would be or what I would talk about if I'd been raised in the Capitol? Maybe my biggest regret would be having feathered costumes at my birthday party, too." (p 38)
This quote just struck me as important. The three stylists are just doing what they know best. They are doing their part in a life that they grew up in. BUT it also serves to show how isolated the people in power keep those int he Districts and in the Capitol. No one ever gives a thought to how the other person lives. Kat makes several of these important realizations. First with Rue, now with her style team.
Your turn! There is SO MUCH to talk about in just these first three chapters!! Are you girls really into the story? What has struck you so far? What do you want to focus on?
Part 1- The Spark
Chapater 1 - Our first glimpse into Katniss's life post-Games. She is back to hunting to occupy her time. Now alone every day but Sunday since Gale has gone to work in the mines. Gale is now Kat's 'cousin'; Katniss wakes Haymitch up and then goes home to find President Snow in her home.
Chapter 2 - President Snow's visit, still pissed about Kat's rebellion at the games; He also reveals that there is dissention among the ranks of the Districts which he attributes to her; Katniss reveals her kiss in the woods which President Snow knows about; President Snow requests that Katniss basically put down the swelling rebellious mood; she needs to convince the country (and him) that her berry act was love-struck and not sticking it to Capitol.
Chapter 3 - Katniss gets prepped for the tour: enter Venia, Octavia, and Flavius; Katniss finally sees them a bit more as people when they are so attentive and polite while Kat's mom shows them the braided hairstyle; we learn that Kat's "talent" is clothing design; she ploughs Peeta over, tells Haymitch about President Snow, and realizes that she has to marry Peeta to keep everyone safe from the President's threats.
"I wish I could go back to it becuase, in retrospect, it seems so secure compared with now, when I am so rich and so famous and so hated by the authoritities in the Capitol." (p 7)
How funny that a life of never knowing what (or when) your next meal will be is more secure than a life of "luxury." Of course, that luxury comes at a very steep price. Really, there are no winners in the Hunger Games.
"A guttural animal sound comes from his throat. He jumps up, kicking his chair ten feet behind him and wielding a knife. I forgot that he always sleeps with one clutched in his hand." (p 13)
and
"He doesn't like to sleep when it's dark out." (p 42)
We finally get a taste more about Haymitch; we already suspect that he drinks himself into oblivion because of (a) his time in the games and (b) never having a tribure come through alive. And now this makes me think that he still has all that emotional and mental trauma: sleeping with a knife? Obviously he suspects that someone is going to come and try to get him in his sleep. What awful nightmares he must have to sleep witha knife clenched in his fist.
Why didn't Katniss (or we) assume that they were being videoed before. It only makes sense! With the tight grip that Capitol usually has. You would imagine they have cameras everywhere. And what a shock/invasion of privacy! To a point, I'm sure that the Capitol would allow some law-breaking and some rebellious talk. Almost like a control on the system. Maybe they have always monitored the woods. But allow the youngsters to have their talk and bad words about the Capitol when they don't think they are being watched. Because back in the village, they never say anything. What do you girls think? Do you think surveillence is a new thing? Maybe an old thing that wasn't heavily monitored? Maybe the Capitol leaves the electric fence off on purpose... to make sure that the black market keeps spinning in District 12. Give the people just enough hope that they can scrape by. But keep them destitute enough that they still depend on the system working. (I love a good conspiracy!)
"In fact, all three are so readily respectful and nice eto my mother that I feel bad about how I go around feeling so superior to them. Who knows who I would be or what I would talk about if I'd been raised in the Capitol? Maybe my biggest regret would be having feathered costumes at my birthday party, too." (p 38)
This quote just struck me as important. The three stylists are just doing what they know best. They are doing their part in a life that they grew up in. BUT it also serves to show how isolated the people in power keep those int he Districts and in the Capitol. No one ever gives a thought to how the other person lives. Kat makes several of these important realizations. First with Rue, now with her style team.
Your turn! There is SO MUCH to talk about in just these first three chapters!! Are you girls really into the story? What has struck you so far? What do you want to focus on?
Monday, December 19, 2011
Chapters 25-27
The great big finale...
Chapter 25 - The muttations, Kat's mercy killing, and the almost-double-suicide
Chapter 26 - "Victory" and its aftermath; the recovery cycle (really- they were going to give Katniss a boob job??) and interviews
Chapter 27 - the train ride home
Forgive the chapter highlights if they are a little off. I don't have my book with me.
The muttations (muttations vs mutations??) were horrifying. Taking their dead competitors and breeding them into a fierce new creature. I can't think of anything worse. OK- I thought of something worse: slowly being eaten alive by your former-competitor-turned-chimera-mutant. The whole last scene of the arena I think we really get a glimpse that all of Katniss's interest (or at least 90% of it) has been to survive the game. First she leaves Peeta when the muttations come after them. Then she pulls her last arrow on Peeta when the anouncement comes that they have to kill each other and Peeta pulls out his knife (only to throw it into the water). Then again with the double suicide.
For her, I think she realy did feel that she could never go back to her District after kililng Peeta. And that she couldn't live without him back in the District. BUT... I think her feeling is more out of a mutual "we did this together" and that she would probably be shunned in District 12 if she killed him. Peeta, on the other hand, would be heartbroken. I think that the Gamemakers assumed that Katniss would be the one to win. They hadn't counted on her really risky suggestion of the double suicide. (The word "suicide" didn't even cross my mind until Haymitch brought it up.)
The last thing I want to say before you all get your comments in (and I expect some talk about the ending!) is that I was really disappointed that all of her scars are gone. Happy that her hearing is back, but I would have liked for her to keep the scar on her forehead, the scars from the burns. I suppose that I understand that they want her to look perfect, innocent, and girlish...but they were her battle scars. Something that marked her time in the arena. I almost feel heartless saying that they would be reminders she would always carry with her. You almost would want to forget all those things she went through, you know? What do you girls think about that?
Chapter 25 - The muttations, Kat's mercy killing, and the almost-double-suicide
Chapter 26 - "Victory" and its aftermath; the recovery cycle (really- they were going to give Katniss a boob job??) and interviews
Chapter 27 - the train ride home
Forgive the chapter highlights if they are a little off. I don't have my book with me.
The muttations (muttations vs mutations??) were horrifying. Taking their dead competitors and breeding them into a fierce new creature. I can't think of anything worse. OK- I thought of something worse: slowly being eaten alive by your former-competitor-turned-chimera-mutant. The whole last scene of the arena I think we really get a glimpse that all of Katniss's interest (or at least 90% of it) has been to survive the game. First she leaves Peeta when the muttations come after them. Then she pulls her last arrow on Peeta when the anouncement comes that they have to kill each other and Peeta pulls out his knife (only to throw it into the water). Then again with the double suicide.
For her, I think she realy did feel that she could never go back to her District after kililng Peeta. And that she couldn't live without him back in the District. BUT... I think her feeling is more out of a mutual "we did this together" and that she would probably be shunned in District 12 if she killed him. Peeta, on the other hand, would be heartbroken. I think that the Gamemakers assumed that Katniss would be the one to win. They hadn't counted on her really risky suggestion of the double suicide. (The word "suicide" didn't even cross my mind until Haymitch brought it up.)
The last thing I want to say before you all get your comments in (and I expect some talk about the ending!) is that I was really disappointed that all of her scars are gone. Happy that her hearing is back, but I would have liked for her to keep the scar on her forehead, the scars from the burns. I suppose that I understand that they want her to look perfect, innocent, and girlish...but they were her battle scars. Something that marked her time in the arena. I almost feel heartless saying that they would be reminders she would always carry with her. You almost would want to forget all those things she went through, you know? What do you girls think about that?
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Chapters 22-24
There is almost too much to talk about!
Chapter 22 - Katniss begins her recovering after her run in with Clove at the feast; Katniss compares Peeta and Gale again (when talking about Thresh's field); Peeta and Katniss have their first real kiss; Peeta's story about how long he has had a crush on Katniss (his father, her father, her song), it's a good thing Katniss said she loved the lamb stew so much!
Chapter 23 - joking aout getting back to District 12 and living in the Victor's Village; Katniss puts it into a real thought that Haymitch communicates to her through the gifts; finally wondering about how Haymitch won his year; Kat reminds us that if they win, they have to do the same thing that Kaymitch is doing for them; Thresh dies; Kat learns that Peeta's life isn't full of fresh bread and expensive treats; Katniss and Peeta go hunting and scavenging
Chapter 24 - Peeta kills Foxface (OK- that one was kind of in chapter 23); the Gamemakers get ready for the end of the games; they dry out all the water sources and push the three remaining Tributes back to the lake and then...
The action really seems to have picked up these last 3 chapters. My summaries are HUGE!
"In stark contrast to two nights ago, when I felt Peeta was a million miles away, I'm struck by his immediacy now. As we settle in, he pulls my head down to use his arm as a pillow; the other rest protectively over me even when he goes to sleep. No one has held me like this is such a long time." (p 298)
Now that Katniss and Peeta are together, there is even more story to flush out. And maybe I'm a fool, but I really, really do think that Peeta love Katniss. Gosh I hope he really does or I think I might be heartbroken. I think Kat would be too. She might brush it off on the surface, but I think deep down she would be heartbroken.
What did you all think about Peeta's story when he first fell in love with her. (I use that phrase lightly! I don't want to keep saying "had a crush.") On one hand, he is a really good liar. Remember when Katniss recognized the Avox and Peeta jumped to her defense? He was so quick on his feet and no one knew any different. It could be the same thing here-either making it up on the spot or maybe he'd prepared that story knowing it might come up at some point. Or it could be the truth. ;) Thinking back to when Peeta defended Kat at the dinner with the Avox-it's the little things like that which make me believe that he really does care for her. He goes out of his way when he doesn't have to in order to help her. I do think he was really hurt when Katniss told him that they shouldn't 'pretend' to be friendly when they weren't in front of Peeta.
Two last quotes:
"It must be hell to mentor two kids and then watch the die. Year after year after year." (p 306)
This is exactly what I thought might push him to drink! I feel like Katniss and Peeta are finally starting to see Haymitch as something a little more than just a drunken failure who hasn't gotten one winning Tribute under him. When you think about it-he really has got strategy! When he's not a drunk fool. I think it's also striking that I never thought before that when Peeta and Katniss (see what I did there? WHEN, not If. They must win, right? If they don't win together I don't know what I will do) will have to be the mentors to future Tributes. That almost sounds like more stress and pressure than being in the Games themselves. Every year young people's lives are at least partially in your hands. Every year you have the immense stress of figuring out a new strategy to play the game.
"Let's go now, while we've had food and rest. Let's just go end this thing," he says. (p 326)
At this point, may as well go in with your head high, bodies alert and get it done. No use wasting yourself on fear and worry of being discovered, being caught off guard. I also liked when Kat was musing that Cato was "always the one to kill" and that the other tributes were just distractions.
When Cato came running at them at the end of Chapter 24, I was prepping myself for a battle. Some kind of battle cry, crazy fight. I was not prepared for Cato to book it straight past Katniss and Peeta. As soon as Katniss talked about creatures coming out of the woods, of turning and running for her life... my first thought was "Oh gosh, Peeta can't run!" Maybe I am wrong about them winning together. :'( And if Peeta gets killed by the Whats-its from the woods, then Katniss has to face Cato on her own...
Chapter 22 - Katniss begins her recovering after her run in with Clove at the feast; Katniss compares Peeta and Gale again (when talking about Thresh's field); Peeta and Katniss have their first real kiss; Peeta's story about how long he has had a crush on Katniss (his father, her father, her song), it's a good thing Katniss said she loved the lamb stew so much!
Chapter 23 - joking aout getting back to District 12 and living in the Victor's Village; Katniss puts it into a real thought that Haymitch communicates to her through the gifts; finally wondering about how Haymitch won his year; Kat reminds us that if they win, they have to do the same thing that Kaymitch is doing for them; Thresh dies; Kat learns that Peeta's life isn't full of fresh bread and expensive treats; Katniss and Peeta go hunting and scavenging
Chapter 24 - Peeta kills Foxface (OK- that one was kind of in chapter 23); the Gamemakers get ready for the end of the games; they dry out all the water sources and push the three remaining Tributes back to the lake and then...
The action really seems to have picked up these last 3 chapters. My summaries are HUGE!
"My mother's hand strokes my cheek and I don't push it away as I would in wakefulness, never wanting her to know how much I crave that gentle touch" (p 290)
I think that this quote show that Katniss doesn't want to be the strong leader of her family. At least not all the time. In general, living in District 12 I think that you give up a good part of being a child. You are scraping by to survive since your first day. But Kat had to really give up her childhood. She had to pull her mother out of depression, provide food for her family, poach outside of the fence. She wants her mother to be her mother-but she is still angry at her for "leaving" her and Prim. As much as she wants her mother's comfort, she doesn't want to show something she might consider weakness.
"Then let's hope Cato kills him, so we don't have to." says Peeta grimly (p 293)
This is kind of what I was thinking too in regards to Thresh (and what we all felt for Rue-didn't want Kat to kill her). I know that Thresh wouldn't offer Katniss a free pass the next time he saw her. BUT I think Katniss wouldn't have been able to kill him herself. This also speaks to the way the Games are developing this year. Real friendships are being made.
"In stark contrast to two nights ago, when I felt Peeta was a million miles away, I'm struck by his immediacy now. As we settle in, he pulls my head down to use his arm as a pillow; the other rest protectively over me even when he goes to sleep. No one has held me like this is such a long time." (p 298)
Now that Katniss and Peeta are together, there is even more story to flush out. And maybe I'm a fool, but I really, really do think that Peeta love Katniss. Gosh I hope he really does or I think I might be heartbroken. I think Kat would be too. She might brush it off on the surface, but I think deep down she would be heartbroken.
What did you all think about Peeta's story when he first fell in love with her. (I use that phrase lightly! I don't want to keep saying "had a crush.") On one hand, he is a really good liar. Remember when Katniss recognized the Avox and Peeta jumped to her defense? He was so quick on his feet and no one knew any different. It could be the same thing here-either making it up on the spot or maybe he'd prepared that story knowing it might come up at some point. Or it could be the truth. ;) Thinking back to when Peeta defended Kat at the dinner with the Avox-it's the little things like that which make me believe that he really does care for her. He goes out of his way when he doesn't have to in order to help her. I do think he was really hurt when Katniss told him that they shouldn't 'pretend' to be friendly when they weren't in front of Peeta.
Two last quotes:
"It must be hell to mentor two kids and then watch the die. Year after year after year." (p 306)
This is exactly what I thought might push him to drink! I feel like Katniss and Peeta are finally starting to see Haymitch as something a little more than just a drunken failure who hasn't gotten one winning Tribute under him. When you think about it-he really has got strategy! When he's not a drunk fool. I think it's also striking that I never thought before that when Peeta and Katniss (see what I did there? WHEN, not If. They must win, right? If they don't win together I don't know what I will do) will have to be the mentors to future Tributes. That almost sounds like more stress and pressure than being in the Games themselves. Every year young people's lives are at least partially in your hands. Every year you have the immense stress of figuring out a new strategy to play the game.
"Let's go now, while we've had food and rest. Let's just go end this thing," he says. (p 326)
At this point, may as well go in with your head high, bodies alert and get it done. No use wasting yourself on fear and worry of being discovered, being caught off guard. I also liked when Kat was musing that Cato was "always the one to kill" and that the other tributes were just distractions.
When Cato came running at them at the end of Chapter 24, I was prepping myself for a battle. Some kind of battle cry, crazy fight. I was not prepared for Cato to book it straight past Katniss and Peeta. As soon as Katniss talked about creatures coming out of the woods, of turning and running for her life... my first thought was "Oh gosh, Peeta can't run!" Maybe I am wrong about them winning together. :'( And if Peeta gets killed by the Whats-its from the woods, then Katniss has to face Cato on her own...
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Chapters 19-21
Sorry I dropped the ball on the one, ladies. I fell asleep on the couch, cuddling with Brad. I plan to go back and comment more on chapters 16-18, but I wanted to at least post a recap so we could keep moving.
19 - Katniss tracks and finds Peeta, starts to treat him, can you feel the love tonight?
20 - they get their first 'reward', Katniss shares her story from hom, a feast is announced, Katniss drugs Peeta
21 - the feast (fox face strikes again), we finally meet Thresh in the games, another moment between districts 11 and 12
This author has the uncanny ability to continue to put more and more into each chapter. Everything is so exciting, you just have to keep reading. I really think that the present tense writing gives everything a sense of urgency. That you are really in the 'now' with Katniss. For some reason, because it is written in the present, you almost feel like Katniss could die in the Games. Of course it isa trilogy, like Nat says. But still. It gives me the feeling mo like I am right there with Kat.
I will come back later and write more here (or better yet, comment), but the previous post is calling me almost as much as my pillow.
19 - Katniss tracks and finds Peeta, starts to treat him, can you feel the love tonight?
20 - they get their first 'reward', Katniss shares her story from hom, a feast is announced, Katniss drugs Peeta
21 - the feast (fox face strikes again), we finally meet Thresh in the games, another moment between districts 11 and 12
This author has the uncanny ability to continue to put more and more into each chapter. Everything is so exciting, you just have to keep reading. I really think that the present tense writing gives everything a sense of urgency. That you are really in the 'now' with Katniss. For some reason, because it is written in the present, you almost feel like Katniss could die in the Games. Of course it isa trilogy, like Nat says. But still. It gives me the feeling mo like I am right there with Kat.
I will come back later and write more here (or better yet, comment), but the previous post is calling me almost as much as my pillow.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Chapters 16-18
(MASSIVE edits because this post got all messed up) Every three chapters gets more and more intense.
16 - more of Rue and Katniss's teaming up, the importance of Kat's Mockingjay pin, the mined stock pile of the Careers, who Peeta is no longer with
17 - KABLEWY! Good bye stockpile, good-bye hearing and balance; the Mockingjay sings to Kat's good ear.
18 - (the big chapter) sweet Rue <3, Kat's care for her, Kat's first kill, and the gift from District 11; the first (second?) rule of the game
Now when I first got Mandy's text about the end of chapter 18, I got to speculating. Were kat and Peeta sharing a fiery, passionate kiss? Inspired by a really true confession of love and the desperation of the past few days? Then after Rue died <3 I wondered if maybe it had been revealed that Peeta set the net that caught Rue. And Kat killed him.
But the addition of a rule? That really threw me for a loop. What an awesome twist!! Are there any pairs left? I think one of the career pairs might still be left. I am hoping that one of you girls can straighten me out. Oh, I hope that Peeta and Kat find each other and win together, take out the other tributes. Pick them off one by one. Another thought occurs to me: even if a pair of Career tributes were the last two standing, I feel like they would still try to kill each other and be the only one on top.
How much do you think the influential people (sponsors) have been wanting this? There must have been a lot of pressure for a rule change. But... At the same time it puts a HUGE target on Kat and Peeta. I just thought of that now. Everyone left knows that two are stronger than one. Will they try to pick them off before they get together? How is Peeta doing? Is he too weak from blood loss to fight? Oh oh oh!!! What if some sponsors sent him gifts to stop the bleed and get him strong again? As Kat said... "Let the seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin, Cato, I think. Let them begin for real."
Next topic I think is just so huge. Rue's death. It is so cruel. Kat loved her even though they only knew each other a few days. She genuinely cared for her. I think that their bond, a real bond formed out of mutual respect and trust, is possibly one of the biggest rebellions yet. With Kat singing Rue to forever sleep with a lullaby from District 12. Caring for her even after death. The three finger salute. I was emotional the whole time during those scenes. How strong Kat was to have to deal with that; even though she was struggling afterward, her strength is immense. And I also wanted to say: what a show of solidarity between her and district 11. How amazing that they sent her Rue's loaf. This quote I highlighted from this chapter "rue's death has forced me to confront my own fury against the cruelty, the injustice they inflict on us"
And lastly... Another thought just occurred to me. I am beginning to be suspicious about everything in the game. It is easy to take at face value the loaf of bread as a gift from District 11... But what if it is Haymitch/Gamemakers manipulating the game? On the other hand, you wouldn't think that they would manipulate it in such a way that creates a further bond between two districts, ya know? Did I ever mention that I sometimes overanalyze things? ;) Can't wait to hear from you ladies!
16 - more of Rue and Katniss's teaming up, the importance of Kat's Mockingjay pin, the mined stock pile of the Careers, who Peeta is no longer with
17 - KABLEWY! Good bye stockpile, good-bye hearing and balance; the Mockingjay sings to Kat's good ear.
18 - (the big chapter) sweet Rue <3, Kat's care for her, Kat's first kill, and the gift from District 11; the first (second?) rule of the game
Now when I first got Mandy's text about the end of chapter 18, I got to speculating. Were kat and Peeta sharing a fiery, passionate kiss? Inspired by a really true confession of love and the desperation of the past few days? Then after Rue died <3 I wondered if maybe it had been revealed that Peeta set the net that caught Rue. And Kat killed him.
But the addition of a rule? That really threw me for a loop. What an awesome twist!! Are there any pairs left? I think one of the career pairs might still be left. I am hoping that one of you girls can straighten me out. Oh, I hope that Peeta and Kat find each other and win together, take out the other tributes. Pick them off one by one. Another thought occurs to me: even if a pair of Career tributes were the last two standing, I feel like they would still try to kill each other and be the only one on top.
How much do you think the influential people (sponsors) have been wanting this? There must have been a lot of pressure for a rule change. But... At the same time it puts a HUGE target on Kat and Peeta. I just thought of that now. Everyone left knows that two are stronger than one. Will they try to pick them off before they get together? How is Peeta doing? Is he too weak from blood loss to fight? Oh oh oh!!! What if some sponsors sent him gifts to stop the bleed and get him strong again? As Kat said... "Let the seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin, Cato, I think. Let them begin for real."
Next topic I think is just so huge. Rue's death. It is so cruel. Kat loved her even though they only knew each other a few days. She genuinely cared for her. I think that their bond, a real bond formed out of mutual respect and trust, is possibly one of the biggest rebellions yet. With Kat singing Rue to forever sleep with a lullaby from District 12. Caring for her even after death. The three finger salute. I was emotional the whole time during those scenes. How strong Kat was to have to deal with that; even though she was struggling afterward, her strength is immense. And I also wanted to say: what a show of solidarity between her and district 11. How amazing that they sent her Rue's loaf. This quote I highlighted from this chapter "rue's death has forced me to confront my own fury against the cruelty, the injustice they inflict on us"
And lastly... Another thought just occurred to me. I am beginning to be suspicious about everything in the game. It is easy to take at face value the loaf of bread as a gift from District 11... But what if it is Haymitch/Gamemakers manipulating the game? On the other hand, you wouldn't think that they would manipulate it in such a way that creates a further bond between two districts, ya know? Did I ever mention that I sometimes overanalyze things? ;) Can't wait to hear from you ladies!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Chapters 13-15
Chapter 13 - Fire in the woods; Kat's first sponsor
Chapter 14- Rue makes her first real game appearance, Tracker Jackers and Kat's first offensive move
Chapter 15- Kat wakes up, gets moving, gets clean, and makes an alliance with Rue
Was our trust misplaced in Cinna? Which came first? Did the Gamemakers influence his decision with the fire outfits, or did his fire outfits inspire the gamemakers?
That is just one little snippet that I thought of during chapter 13--I want to give you girls the chance to get the first discussions going on these chapters. :)
I can't wait to participate. My heart was thumping the whole time. I really hope that you bring up something that I may have missed from reading too fast so that I could see what happened. ;)
Chapter 14- Rue makes her first real game appearance, Tracker Jackers and Kat's first offensive move
Chapter 15- Kat wakes up, gets moving, gets clean, and makes an alliance with Rue
Was our trust misplaced in Cinna? Which came first? Did the Gamemakers influence his decision with the fire outfits, or did his fire outfits inspire the gamemakers?
That is just one little snippet that I thought of during chapter 13--I want to give you girls the chance to get the first discussions going on these chapters. :)
I can't wait to participate. My heart was thumping the whole time. I really hope that you bring up something that I may have missed from reading too fast so that I could see what happened. ;)
Chapters 10-12
boy- I really got ahead of myself! Sorry girls. Mandy was right about not being able to stop at chapter 12. I hit 12 and just kept going... until 17. >_< But I am stopped there. I was only 2 pages in.
So now going ALLLLLL the way back to 10.... our recap
Chapter 10 - the aftermath of Peeta's love confession; the games don't start til 10 because of the Capitol residents (wonder about the families); Peeta on the roof; Kat's pin
Chapter 11 - Let the games begin! The Cornucopia, (SO MAD about Kat's bow and arrow-kind of angery at her for losing focus); as hard as she tries to dislike Peeta, she obviously has some strong connection to him because she is constantly worried about him the first day. It is OK to work together after all (and let's talk about that SHOCK at the end of the chapter!!)
Chapter 12 - Katniss's burning rage (which I think is misguided-see more below); the way she is always aware and thinking about "are the cameras on me? How do I play this up? How to I get sponsors?"...and of course the cliffhanger that I had to read past: wall of fire (absolutely terrifying. Probably my worst fear next to drowning)
Once again, there is so much to talk about! Chapters 9 and 10 I think really highlight Kat's loss of herself. Really the end of 9 in her interview. She twirls in the dress, she sparkles, she giggles (which she has never done before). Totally not herself. Right after her interview, I thought she had done very well. Conquered her fear of the interview. THEN Peeta's confession and the aftermath really put it into perspective. She really did need that boost from his love confession. Although, in a way I think that her being pretty shallow in her interview may end up being an advantage as well. Not in the way of sponsors, but in the way of the other Tributes. They all just think she's flashy and an attention getter. That she doesn't have much value. Peeta gave her value (as far as sponsorship) by making her (them) interesting.
That is the first part of Kat losing herself in this piece. And then her run in with Peeta on the roof-she is worried about how to survive. Peeta, as she says, is worried about how to maintain his identity. How to maintain his sense of self. I really liked this quote: ""No, when the time comes, I’m sure I’ll kill just like everybody else. I can’t go down without a fight. Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games,” says Peeta." (p. 142).
This is the first time that I think he is being 100% honest. I don't think he is attempting to be superior or act superior to Katniss. That seems like her just taking offense. It makes me wonder exactly how he is going to show his rebellion. Earlier I had written that I didn't know if Peeta could handle Kat. But I think that he has a much stronger will than I've given him credit for. I have seen him as weak, just like his mother. He is so focused, though. He was on learning skills. And he has a constant streak for rebellion (or love!), at least when it comes to Kat. This statement from him really shouldn't come as a surprise. It makes me wonder exactly what his strategy will be.
The last part that I felt like Kat was losing her self was the scene when she is getting ready for the games. When Cinna is first giving Katniss her clothes, I wondered where her pin was. The one that he gives to her later. I thought that she had just completely forgotten about it (maybe as a symbol of her starting to lose her identity/ lose herself in Capitol?). It made sense that they had to take the pin and deem if it was acceptable for the games. (I suppose for a game with no rules, at least one rule is you can't start off with a weapon from the outside...only what they supply in the arena).
Moving on to more about Peeta... I am certainly confused about his motives. In his interview, I believed him. Especially after he always seemed to be so kind to Katniss (bread, through the first part of training etc). Did Peeta give her something to eat out of pity because he saw her starving? Or because even then he had a crush on her? Then this part where he had joined up with the Careers:
Someone cries out, “twelve down and eleven to go!” which gets a round of appreciative hoots. (p. 159); my first thought when I read that was: of course! The careers are going to get together and try to get rid of the "easy" ones. It's just like we've been talking about the whole time. Band together. The difference is that we want it to be Peeta and Katniss at the end. And then both refuse to kill. Here the motivation is get to the end; the individual game is easier when there are fewer people around. As far as Peeta... my heart stopped beating when I read that last line. What did you girls think??
Personally, I understand Kat's rage, but I think it is really misplaced. I think that he did shake his head at her to not go for the cornucopia (but boy am I glad she did....I want a sleeping bag like that!). This is the note that I put when she was raging against Peeta at the beginning of chapter 12: "bc he is strong he went in fighting. maybe got her bow? maybe manipulating the careers?"
She even knows that being super strong is his strength. We didn't get to see him in the Cornucopia, but you have to imagine he impressed the Careers with his strength someone. How else would he be alive? It's not like they exactly give you time to please your case or show much mercy. It takes some balls to go into a death brawl like that swinging. I have totally underestimated Peeta. (Those I still have a school girl crush on the woodsy Gale)
Last but not least... As sick as it is... I am almost enjoying the way that Capitol is presenting the events. It is exciting. It's exciting to read about. Wondering if your favorites (the only ones I know are Katniss, Peeta, and Rue) are still alive. The suspense for Kat when the cannons go off, when the names of the dead flash at night. I also like the way the different parts of the game are revealed to us through Katniss. I like the fact that she pretty much knows everything that is going on. The general flow to the games. That she has years of experience that she flashes back to. Things that she remembers past Tributes doing.
Nat: I want to hear all about your plans for survival!
So now going ALLLLLL the way back to 10.... our recap
Chapter 10 - the aftermath of Peeta's love confession; the games don't start til 10 because of the Capitol residents (wonder about the families); Peeta on the roof; Kat's pin
Chapter 11 - Let the games begin! The Cornucopia, (SO MAD about Kat's bow and arrow-kind of angery at her for losing focus); as hard as she tries to dislike Peeta, she obviously has some strong connection to him because she is constantly worried about him the first day. It is OK to work together after all (and let's talk about that SHOCK at the end of the chapter!!)
Chapter 12 - Katniss's burning rage (which I think is misguided-see more below); the way she is always aware and thinking about "are the cameras on me? How do I play this up? How to I get sponsors?"...and of course the cliffhanger that I had to read past: wall of fire (absolutely terrifying. Probably my worst fear next to drowning)
Once again, there is so much to talk about! Chapters 9 and 10 I think really highlight Kat's loss of herself. Really the end of 9 in her interview. She twirls in the dress, she sparkles, she giggles (which she has never done before). Totally not herself. Right after her interview, I thought she had done very well. Conquered her fear of the interview. THEN Peeta's confession and the aftermath really put it into perspective. She really did need that boost from his love confession. Although, in a way I think that her being pretty shallow in her interview may end up being an advantage as well. Not in the way of sponsors, but in the way of the other Tributes. They all just think she's flashy and an attention getter. That she doesn't have much value. Peeta gave her value (as far as sponsorship) by making her (them) interesting.
That is the first part of Kat losing herself in this piece. And then her run in with Peeta on the roof-she is worried about how to survive. Peeta, as she says, is worried about how to maintain his identity. How to maintain his sense of self. I really liked this quote: ""No, when the time comes, I’m sure I’ll kill just like everybody else. I can’t go down without a fight. Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games,” says Peeta." (p. 142).
This is the first time that I think he is being 100% honest. I don't think he is attempting to be superior or act superior to Katniss. That seems like her just taking offense. It makes me wonder exactly how he is going to show his rebellion. Earlier I had written that I didn't know if Peeta could handle Kat. But I think that he has a much stronger will than I've given him credit for. I have seen him as weak, just like his mother. He is so focused, though. He was on learning skills. And he has a constant streak for rebellion (or love!), at least when it comes to Kat. This statement from him really shouldn't come as a surprise. It makes me wonder exactly what his strategy will be.
The last part that I felt like Kat was losing her self was the scene when she is getting ready for the games. When Cinna is first giving Katniss her clothes, I wondered where her pin was. The one that he gives to her later. I thought that she had just completely forgotten about it (maybe as a symbol of her starting to lose her identity/ lose herself in Capitol?). It made sense that they had to take the pin and deem if it was acceptable for the games. (I suppose for a game with no rules, at least one rule is you can't start off with a weapon from the outside...only what they supply in the arena).
Moving on to more about Peeta... I am certainly confused about his motives. In his interview, I believed him. Especially after he always seemed to be so kind to Katniss (bread, through the first part of training etc). Did Peeta give her something to eat out of pity because he saw her starving? Or because even then he had a crush on her? Then this part where he had joined up with the Careers:
Someone cries out, “twelve down and eleven to go!” which gets a round of appreciative hoots. (p. 159); my first thought when I read that was: of course! The careers are going to get together and try to get rid of the "easy" ones. It's just like we've been talking about the whole time. Band together. The difference is that we want it to be Peeta and Katniss at the end. And then both refuse to kill. Here the motivation is get to the end; the individual game is easier when there are fewer people around. As far as Peeta... my heart stopped beating when I read that last line. What did you girls think??
Personally, I understand Kat's rage, but I think it is really misplaced. I think that he did shake his head at her to not go for the cornucopia (but boy am I glad she did....I want a sleeping bag like that!). This is the note that I put when she was raging against Peeta at the beginning of chapter 12: "bc he is strong he went in fighting. maybe got her bow? maybe manipulating the careers?"
She even knows that being super strong is his strength. We didn't get to see him in the Cornucopia, but you have to imagine he impressed the Careers with his strength someone. How else would he be alive? It's not like they exactly give you time to please your case or show much mercy. It takes some balls to go into a death brawl like that swinging. I have totally underestimated Peeta. (Those I still have a school girl crush on the woodsy Gale)
Last but not least... As sick as it is... I am almost enjoying the way that Capitol is presenting the events. It is exciting. It's exciting to read about. Wondering if your favorites (the only ones I know are Katniss, Peeta, and Rue) are still alive. The suspense for Kat when the cannons go off, when the names of the dead flash at night. I also like the way the different parts of the game are revealed to us through Katniss. I like the fact that she pretty much knows everything that is going on. The general flow to the games. That she has years of experience that she flashes back to. Things that she remembers past Tributes doing.
Nat: I want to hear all about your plans for survival!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Chapters 7-9
What a doozy of a section! I honestly think we could have a good hour (at least!) talking about everything that happened. This is just the quick recap, plus a few of the things I noticed in the chapters.
Chapter 7 - All about training before the games.
Breakfast before training, discussing skills and lifting each other up, Peeta says"she has no idea. The effect she can have," training sessions, little Rue, the sessions with the Gamemakers
Chapter 8 - Kat worries about what she did at the private session, scores revealed; flashback to Gale
Chapter 9 - Training for the interview and the interview; Haymitch vs Cinna; Her meltdown after talking with Haymitch; <3 Cinna <3
"But I don't want them to! They're already taking my future! They can't have the things that mattered to me in the past!"(page 117?);
I love the development of Katniss's character. It's something that I normally wouldn't notice in a book. We're only a third of the way into the book, and she is such a strong but vulnerable, complicated young woman. I believe that much of her impulsivity and ferocity is natural to her character. Some of it comes from the way she grew up: always had to be a survivor, always the underdog. I think that some of it comes from the desperate situation of the games. And just a teensy bit comes from those crazy teenage hormones.
She is not really insecure, but like Peeta implies: she really doesn't know her strength. I get the feeling that she just sees everything she does as having to survive. She doesn't see her own talents, strength, determination, and will to survive. Kat is so fiery. I loved what she did to the Gamemakers. My little note right there says "Atta girl!" She has got rebellion written all over her. She wasn't putting on for the judges, faking anything to make herself look better or worse. Katniss just a completely honest reaction. While I was celebrating her 'victory' there, I hadn't even considered the consequences that she thought of later in her room. That she might have put her family in danger, or that she had broken her promise to Prim.
I'm conflicted with Katniss on Peeta. I feel like he might have honestly been trying to be friendly with her the whole time. Honestly friends. I think that he was hurt and could tell that she already had her mind on the game ("Don't. Don't let's pretend when there's no one around." "All right, Katniss," he says tiredly. After that, we only talk in front of people.) Because of the way it's written though, you are left to wonder just as much as Katniss wonders. After all, it is from her point of view. That seems to be a huge part of Kat and Peeta's story. Can you really trust someone that you've been thrown into a game to kill each other? It leaves me wondering: why not actually team up with the person you've been sent with. Work together. Katniss said (in her flashback to Gale) that hunting was easier once she had someone to watch her back. At least work together until the final two (like Survivor! make an alliance). Two together are stronger than 22 singles. But then you've got a whole game of paranoia ahead of you. Wondering when they might stab you in the back (literally).
Cinna. I just love him. He seems so good and honest. But I'm also thinking: what are his intentions? Does he genuinely care for Katniss and Peeta. Does he have a true affection for them? Or is he just trying to do a good job to get noticed. Or is he not trying to get noticed, but do what he thinks is right or that he just wants to succeed for himself. And here I am analyzing a secondary character. ;)
Last thing I'll put down here now (though, like I said I could talk about this for an hour or more) is this quote from when Katniss is having her session with Haymitch:
"But I don't want them to! They're already taking my future! They can't have the things that mattered to me in the past!"(page 117?)
That quote really struck me. I even have it virtually highlighted.
Your turns. :)
Chapter 7 - All about training before the games.
Breakfast before training, discussing skills and lifting each other up, Peeta says"she has no idea. The effect she can have," training sessions, little Rue, the sessions with the Gamemakers
Chapter 8 - Kat worries about what she did at the private session, scores revealed; flashback to Gale
Chapter 9 - Training for the interview and the interview; Haymitch vs Cinna; Her meltdown after talking with Haymitch; <3 Cinna <3
"But I don't want them to! They're already taking my future! They can't have the things that mattered to me in the past!"(page 117?);
I love the development of Katniss's character. It's something that I normally wouldn't notice in a book. We're only a third of the way into the book, and she is such a strong but vulnerable, complicated young woman. I believe that much of her impulsivity and ferocity is natural to her character. Some of it comes from the way she grew up: always had to be a survivor, always the underdog. I think that some of it comes from the desperate situation of the games. And just a teensy bit comes from those crazy teenage hormones.
She is not really insecure, but like Peeta implies: she really doesn't know her strength. I get the feeling that she just sees everything she does as having to survive. She doesn't see her own talents, strength, determination, and will to survive. Kat is so fiery. I loved what she did to the Gamemakers. My little note right there says "Atta girl!" She has got rebellion written all over her. She wasn't putting on for the judges, faking anything to make herself look better or worse. Katniss just a completely honest reaction. While I was celebrating her 'victory' there, I hadn't even considered the consequences that she thought of later in her room. That she might have put her family in danger, or that she had broken her promise to Prim.
I'm conflicted with Katniss on Peeta. I feel like he might have honestly been trying to be friendly with her the whole time. Honestly friends. I think that he was hurt and could tell that she already had her mind on the game ("Don't. Don't let's pretend when there's no one around." "All right, Katniss," he says tiredly. After that, we only talk in front of people.) Because of the way it's written though, you are left to wonder just as much as Katniss wonders. After all, it is from her point of view. That seems to be a huge part of Kat and Peeta's story. Can you really trust someone that you've been thrown into a game to kill each other? It leaves me wondering: why not actually team up with the person you've been sent with. Work together. Katniss said (in her flashback to Gale) that hunting was easier once she had someone to watch her back. At least work together until the final two (like Survivor! make an alliance). Two together are stronger than 22 singles. But then you've got a whole game of paranoia ahead of you. Wondering when they might stab you in the back (literally).
Cinna. I just love him. He seems so good and honest. But I'm also thinking: what are his intentions? Does he genuinely care for Katniss and Peeta. Does he have a true affection for them? Or is he just trying to do a good job to get noticed. Or is he not trying to get noticed, but do what he thinks is right or that he just wants to succeed for himself. And here I am analyzing a secondary character. ;)
Last thing I'll put down here now (though, like I said I could talk about this for an hour or more) is this quote from when Katniss is having her session with Haymitch:
"But I don't want them to! They're already taking my future! They can't have the things that mattered to me in the past!"(page 117?)
That quote really struck me. I even have it virtually highlighted.
Your turns. :)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Chapters 4-6
I must say: How kind of the author to write the book in three parts, each containing 9 chapters.
How in the world did you two hold yourselves back at the end of chapter 6 (expecting Nat's confession of: "well... I actually finished the book while I was waiting to discuss through chapter 6"). ;)
Brief outline of what happened:
Chapter 4-train ride and entrance to Capitol
Chapter 5-prep for the opening ceremony and opening ceremony
Chapter 6-after the ceremony and before the games
What really struck me in Chapter 5 is that the Games are really a part of the way of life for these people. It didn't hit me in the anxiety before the reaping, during the reaping when names were called, or afterwards when Katniss was saying her goodbyes. It hit me when she was talking to Cinna.
'"You're new, aren't you? I don't think I've seen you before," I say. Most of the stylists are familiar, constants in the ever-changing pool of tributes. Some have been around my whole life."'
It reminds me of the hosts (or trainers) in reality TV. They stay the same and the contestants change every season. Katniss always has a general idea of what is going to happen at each stage. And that is because she has had to watch these Death Olympics every year. Somehow the fact that it is so commonplace for them, and seemingly so celebrated in other districts, makes it even more horrifying.
We were discussing earlier: why don't they revolt? How disgusting this is! How horrifying that they send their children to their deaths. We never stopped to consider that we were only looking at it from District 12's perspective. From Kat's narrative, most (if not all) of the other Districts see these games as a sense of pride. Strong competitors volunteering for a chance to go. Win eternal glory, as it were. Entire Districts raising their children with the goal of making them strong (mentally and physically) so that they have the fortitude to kill other children. People betting on who will be chosen, who will volunteer, who will win. That is where the real horror comes in. They don't want to rebel and end the games...it's like they actually look forward to it!
Another interesting point: Kat also forgot her own horror once she was getting prepped. She was nervous/excited going into the opening ceremony. Then it seemed like she got caught up in the excitement, the thrill of people calling for her. And let's face it: it's practically hardwired into us to feel great when people are telling us that we look spectacular. She was entranced with the classy elevator, the novelty of the Capitol, the amazing food that was put before her. Another quote that caught my attention "She has reminded me why I'm here. Not to model flashy costumes and eat delicacies. But to die a bloody death while the crowds urge on my killer." (which I think is roughly on page 79??)
That really brings it home. For everyone else it's a big to-do. Other people don't have as much at stake. But Katniss's life is being risked. It's her soul, her memories that are going to be affected by taking the lives of other people.
Nat: I think we all find either humor or disgust in the way that Haymitch drinks and acts. Kat and Peeta certainly want more of him. I never even thought until right now: what if he drinks to cope?
One last word before I'm done: I really enjoy that this is written in the present tense. :) Things are happening now, right now. Right when we're reading.
The Hunger Games, Chapters 1-3
Book #1: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Ok girls, let's get the party started! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop either. We should probably get to discussing before we are halfway through the book and haven't analyzed anything at all!
Since I've never been in a book club, I don't really even know what we're supposed to do. Let's start off with first impressions. A question with an obvious answer: what do you think so far? Clearly we are all enjoying ourselves as no one can put the book down.
Books like this always fascinate me. The kind of books that focus on a dystopia where the government is in control. Where they use force, fear, and division to control people and keep 'peace.' Other books that come to mind: 1984, Brave New World, The Hermit Thrush Sings, The Handmaid's Tale. One of the reviews I read criticized the major plot point that no one does anything. That no one revolts even though the Hunger Games are so barbaric and in general life is unfair. Honestly, I don't think it's that far fetched. Fear of death, even more severe punishment, all of the control is a powerful motivator to generally stay within the lines. There had been a riot in all of Panem that was put down violently. There is a history there. Maybe in some ways it is difficult to believe that this has been going on for 75 years. In general I do think that that part of the story line (a major part) holds up.
One point that stood out to me: when Katniss is talking about the sometimes-electrified-fence, she says that it is to keep all the wild animals out. My first thought was "yea RIGHT. More like to keep the people in while simultaneously making them too afraid to travel."
And now... to the comments?
Ok girls, let's get the party started! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop either. We should probably get to discussing before we are halfway through the book and haven't analyzed anything at all!
Since I've never been in a book club, I don't really even know what we're supposed to do. Let's start off with first impressions. A question with an obvious answer: what do you think so far? Clearly we are all enjoying ourselves as no one can put the book down.
Books like this always fascinate me. The kind of books that focus on a dystopia where the government is in control. Where they use force, fear, and division to control people and keep 'peace.' Other books that come to mind: 1984, Brave New World, The Hermit Thrush Sings, The Handmaid's Tale. One of the reviews I read criticized the major plot point that no one does anything. That no one revolts even though the Hunger Games are so barbaric and in general life is unfair. Honestly, I don't think it's that far fetched. Fear of death, even more severe punishment, all of the control is a powerful motivator to generally stay within the lines. There had been a riot in all of Panem that was put down violently. There is a history there. Maybe in some ways it is difficult to believe that this has been going on for 75 years. In general I do think that that part of the story line (a major part) holds up.
One point that stood out to me: when Katniss is talking about the sometimes-electrified-fence, she says that it is to keep all the wild animals out. My first thought was "yea RIGHT. More like to keep the people in while simultaneously making them too afraid to travel."
And now... to the comments?
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