Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Next book?.
So our first three books were easy choices. ;)
What do we read next? I believe 'The Help' was tossed around, but I believe that half of us have read it. Not myself, though. Opinions?
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Wrap up for Mockingjay
MAJOR spoilers if you haven't finished the book yet!! (also, as a late edit... I had meant to leave this really open-ended. I want lots of conversation at the end here! I think the books deserved it...but I got going and just couldn't stop. Forgive me. <3)
Somehow, Suzanne Collins manages to get me all roped into her story...resulting in me not being able to put the book down. So unfortunately (or fortunately) I am going to depart a bit from my normal layout and just straight to: so what did you ladies think of the way the whole HG series wrapped up?
I know that Mandy and I were both hysterical messes at the end. I was thrilled with the way that Collins finished out the books. They made sense to me. Of course, after I was done reading and still trying to calm down, I decided to read some of the reviews on Goodreads. I was so surprised that there were a number of 1 and 2 star ratings. People who had loved the first book, and then gradually became more and more disappointed as the series went on.
We all confessed that the beginning of MJ bored us practically to tears. But some of the other complaints were that Katniss seemed to have lost her edge. That all she did in the third book was mope about. Defy her schedules, hide in corners, closets, and bathtubs and sleep her life away. They were disappointed that she was basically used as a puppet in everything that she did. That she never really seemed to make any decisions for herself. And that she wasn't much like herself in the first book at all.
I think that one of Kat's major character flaws is that yes she cares about her loved ones almost to a fault. Pretty much to the point that it blinds her. It makes her seem very selfish. I mean, even I thought she was being a little selfish when Peeta came back but had gone over the deep end. BUT- I also catch myself thinking that it is exactly how she had always been. Always suspicious. Always looking out for her survival, number one. Peeta was always the care-taker. Always putting her before himself. Katniss wasn't like that.
Many people also didn't like the way she 'just' ended up with Peeta. They claimed that it was like everything else that seemed to happen in the third book. It just happened to her. That she didn't have a choice in it. Well, as much as I can almost agree that they did just kind of come together at the end, I don't there there was any other way for them to survive. She could have never, never been with Gale after the war ended. Partially because of what I said in my other post (I think I said it). Peeta and Katniss have so much history together. They were completely broken down by the government. They were manipulated, threatened, tortured. That is an experience that would never be able to be replicated. Sure, Gale had to deal with the whipping. He had to see District 12 bombed to the ground. But he was never affected on as much of a psychological level in the way that Kat and Peeta were. There are just some things that he wouldn't have been able to understand. Katniss may have had a certain kind and level of love for him at some point, but the way life unwound itself, they never could have been together.
I still stand by the fact that Katniss never really knew Gale. His true colors came out during the war, I think. Yes- they made excellent hunting partners that was a need they filled for each other. And yes, they may have been able to practically read each other's minds, move as one body...when they were younger. But there was a split...especially after the bombing that ended the war.
Another thing I saw is that people (as I mentioned earlier) didn't seem to like the portrayal of Katniss during her depressions. But I thought that it was real, and true, and so desperate. So lost. Let's not forget: she is only 17 when all of this is happening. Hell. At 24 I am pretty sure that I would crack! That is what depression looks like in real life. Lacking motivation, trying to bottle up things so that you don't feel them as much, pushing people away...yet at the same time needing something to pull you forward. It isn't something that is easy to make it through. I don't think that people gave her enough credit. She is so strong for coming out on the other side. Changed. Learning to live through life the way it happened. But she is surviving.
Annnnd- many people thought some of the deaths were completely senseless and basically uncalled for. Well. War is senseless. People die all the time when they didn't deserve to. And again- I think it makes the story more real. Don't get me wrong...at Finnick's death, I sobbed. Sobbed. On the couch for probably five minutes. It turns out that some people don't want real-life tragedy in their books. Always wanting their favorite characters to survive. Everything to be wrapped up in a neat little bow. But I think it is more meaningful to have things not work out 100% the way you want to. It makes you feel and grieve with the characters.
Um. And now after all of that I am spent. I think I left a lot of my ideas kind of hanging out there. Feel free to comment on what I've said above. Make it longer, more detailed, bring in your opinions. Or bring up some of the stuff that I left out (because I left A LOT out!). I am really hoping for a good long string of comments. ;)
Somehow, Suzanne Collins manages to get me all roped into her story...resulting in me not being able to put the book down. So unfortunately (or fortunately) I am going to depart a bit from my normal layout and just straight to: so what did you ladies think of the way the whole HG series wrapped up?
I know that Mandy and I were both hysterical messes at the end. I was thrilled with the way that Collins finished out the books. They made sense to me. Of course, after I was done reading and still trying to calm down, I decided to read some of the reviews on Goodreads. I was so surprised that there were a number of 1 and 2 star ratings. People who had loved the first book, and then gradually became more and more disappointed as the series went on.
We all confessed that the beginning of MJ bored us practically to tears. But some of the other complaints were that Katniss seemed to have lost her edge. That all she did in the third book was mope about. Defy her schedules, hide in corners, closets, and bathtubs and sleep her life away. They were disappointed that she was basically used as a puppet in everything that she did. That she never really seemed to make any decisions for herself. And that she wasn't much like herself in the first book at all.
I think that one of Kat's major character flaws is that yes she cares about her loved ones almost to a fault. Pretty much to the point that it blinds her. It makes her seem very selfish. I mean, even I thought she was being a little selfish when Peeta came back but had gone over the deep end. BUT- I also catch myself thinking that it is exactly how she had always been. Always suspicious. Always looking out for her survival, number one. Peeta was always the care-taker. Always putting her before himself. Katniss wasn't like that.
Many people also didn't like the way she 'just' ended up with Peeta. They claimed that it was like everything else that seemed to happen in the third book. It just happened to her. That she didn't have a choice in it. Well, as much as I can almost agree that they did just kind of come together at the end, I don't there there was any other way for them to survive. She could have never, never been with Gale after the war ended. Partially because of what I said in my other post (I think I said it). Peeta and Katniss have so much history together. They were completely broken down by the government. They were manipulated, threatened, tortured. That is an experience that would never be able to be replicated. Sure, Gale had to deal with the whipping. He had to see District 12 bombed to the ground. But he was never affected on as much of a psychological level in the way that Kat and Peeta were. There are just some things that he wouldn't have been able to understand. Katniss may have had a certain kind and level of love for him at some point, but the way life unwound itself, they never could have been together.
I still stand by the fact that Katniss never really knew Gale. His true colors came out during the war, I think. Yes- they made excellent hunting partners that was a need they filled for each other. And yes, they may have been able to practically read each other's minds, move as one body...when they were younger. But there was a split...especially after the bombing that ended the war.
Another thing I saw is that people (as I mentioned earlier) didn't seem to like the portrayal of Katniss during her depressions. But I thought that it was real, and true, and so desperate. So lost. Let's not forget: she is only 17 when all of this is happening. Hell. At 24 I am pretty sure that I would crack! That is what depression looks like in real life. Lacking motivation, trying to bottle up things so that you don't feel them as much, pushing people away...yet at the same time needing something to pull you forward. It isn't something that is easy to make it through. I don't think that people gave her enough credit. She is so strong for coming out on the other side. Changed. Learning to live through life the way it happened. But she is surviving.
Annnnd- many people thought some of the deaths were completely senseless and basically uncalled for. Well. War is senseless. People die all the time when they didn't deserve to. And again- I think it makes the story more real. Don't get me wrong...at Finnick's death, I sobbed. Sobbed. On the couch for probably five minutes. It turns out that some people don't want real-life tragedy in their books. Always wanting their favorite characters to survive. Everything to be wrapped up in a neat little bow. But I think it is more meaningful to have things not work out 100% the way you want to. It makes you feel and grieve with the characters.
Um. And now after all of that I am spent. I think I left a lot of my ideas kind of hanging out there. Feel free to comment on what I've said above. Make it longer, more detailed, bring in your opinions. Or bring up some of the stuff that I left out (because I left A LOT out!). I am really hoping for a good long string of comments. ;)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Chapters 10-12
Part II - The Assault
Chapter 10 - Coin decides that Peeta's warning is a good reason to evacuate everyone well underground into the bomb bunkers; Prim and Gale almost don't make it for trying to save a few precious things from the Everdeen's quarters; Prim and Katniss get to talk finally and Prim once again gives amazing advice - "Whatever it takes to break you"
Chapter 11 - Katniss realizes that "Crazy Cat" is really Snow, Peeta, and herself; she has a heart to heart with Finnick (Finnick <3); she finally realizes that Snow was waiting for her to convince him she loved Peeta so he could have the strongest weapon against her; Finnick gives her his rope to distract her <3; they go topside to film after the bombing is done and Snow left Katniss roses; Katniss breaks down; They finally send in a rescue team for Peeta...for which Gale volunteered.
Chapter 12 - Finnick and Katniss pull it together in order to film something to distract the Capitol while they perform the rescue mission; We get more back stories on the prices that the other Victors paid... Finnick shares his story with Katniss and the world; Haymitch lost his mother, brother, and girlfriend; we now know why President Snows' breath smells like blood; The rescue missions was...a success. Johanna is back, Annie is back, Gale is back...and Peeta has also made it to D13.
Two quotes really quick: Finnick's advice: "Better not to give in to it. it takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart." p 154
"But in the end, the only person I truly want to comfort me is Haymitch, because he loves Peeta, too." p 160 (I don't know about you, but I was shocked that the only person she wanted was Haymitch)
So once again, a TON happened here. I actually made myself stop reading a feel what Katniss felt when she realized how Snow was using Peeta. What would I feel like if I knew that people who hated me had Brad somewhere. And that they were torturing him and bringing him back to life. Doing God-knows-what to him to create that distracted and dangerous look that we saw in Peeta's eyes at the end of 9.
But what I really want to talk about is the Hunger Games. And the fact that they never really end for any of the Victors. We have kind of touched on it before. But it was in a more abstract way. A more psychological way. As in: they would never fully recover from the trauma done to them in the arena. The things that they had to do. And the fact that they had to go back and be mentors every year. Every year re-live the experience. Figuring out how to get your District to the end. Figure out how to kill the other children. And I knew it would be important. That bit that Beetee said about everything that Finnick had gone through. My heart just breaks for Finnick. At just 14 he was turned into a sex slave.
But it is so much more than that. As far as we know, every single one of the Victors have had threats over their heads since they won. If the games themselves hadn't driven them to the brink of oblivion. Who knows what caused the other Victor-tributes to their devices. The other one who drank, the two morphlings. Was it just their Games that drove them to it or was it the continued manipulation afterwards. Some of them seemed to come out of it OK. Some of the Careers. Even Mags-she almost just seemed like an old woman. Not too terribly mad. And even at that Beetee seemed to come out as well as one could have. But I suppose he is the analytical type. And his use to the government would be to continue to develop and invent the latest technology. That seems to be straight up his alley..to always be using his mind. Maybe for him it wasn't that bad.
And with a little bit more of the background of the Victor-Tributes it makes me wonder back to book two. At the interviews. Maybe all the other Victors were glaring at Katniss, but not really at her. At President Snow's manipulation. Knowing that she was going through things that they themselves had gone through (the manipulation, the threats). All along, I had been working under the assumption that only Katniss was the one who was being threatened in order to to the President's bidding. I had never dreamed that it basically had been going on since the beginning of the Games. Now I also want to know more about Johanna's back story.
One last thought that I had. Or have had. Repeatedly. I don't think that Gale and Katniss ever could have ended up together. There are just things that Gale will never understand. There is a special bond between Finnick and Katniss that Gale would never have even. The bond of the Games. Gale may love Katniss with everything he has. He may always want to protect her. Do the right thing by her, love her. But there are parts of Katniss, major parts now, that he will never understand and he will never be able to soothe. Things that only other Victors would be able to understand.
What do you girls think? This might be the first time reading this book that I've thought "Oh my gosh, I've got to keep going! I NEED to find out what happens."
What are your suspicions about Peeta, his reaction to Katniss, what the could have been doing to him, telling him...to get a reaction like that?
Chapter 10 - Coin decides that Peeta's warning is a good reason to evacuate everyone well underground into the bomb bunkers; Prim and Gale almost don't make it for trying to save a few precious things from the Everdeen's quarters; Prim and Katniss get to talk finally and Prim once again gives amazing advice - "Whatever it takes to break you"
Chapter 11 - Katniss realizes that "Crazy Cat" is really Snow, Peeta, and herself; she has a heart to heart with Finnick (Finnick <3); she finally realizes that Snow was waiting for her to convince him she loved Peeta so he could have the strongest weapon against her; Finnick gives her his rope to distract her <3; they go topside to film after the bombing is done and Snow left Katniss roses; Katniss breaks down; They finally send in a rescue team for Peeta...for which Gale volunteered.
Chapter 12 - Finnick and Katniss pull it together in order to film something to distract the Capitol while they perform the rescue mission; We get more back stories on the prices that the other Victors paid... Finnick shares his story with Katniss and the world; Haymitch lost his mother, brother, and girlfriend; we now know why President Snows' breath smells like blood; The rescue missions was...a success. Johanna is back, Annie is back, Gale is back...and Peeta has also made it to D13.
Two quotes really quick: Finnick's advice: "Better not to give in to it. it takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart." p 154
"But in the end, the only person I truly want to comfort me is Haymitch, because he loves Peeta, too." p 160 (I don't know about you, but I was shocked that the only person she wanted was Haymitch)
So once again, a TON happened here. I actually made myself stop reading a feel what Katniss felt when she realized how Snow was using Peeta. What would I feel like if I knew that people who hated me had Brad somewhere. And that they were torturing him and bringing him back to life. Doing God-knows-what to him to create that distracted and dangerous look that we saw in Peeta's eyes at the end of 9.
But what I really want to talk about is the Hunger Games. And the fact that they never really end for any of the Victors. We have kind of touched on it before. But it was in a more abstract way. A more psychological way. As in: they would never fully recover from the trauma done to them in the arena. The things that they had to do. And the fact that they had to go back and be mentors every year. Every year re-live the experience. Figuring out how to get your District to the end. Figure out how to kill the other children. And I knew it would be important. That bit that Beetee said about everything that Finnick had gone through. My heart just breaks for Finnick. At just 14 he was turned into a sex slave.
But it is so much more than that. As far as we know, every single one of the Victors have had threats over their heads since they won. If the games themselves hadn't driven them to the brink of oblivion. Who knows what caused the other Victor-tributes to their devices. The other one who drank, the two morphlings. Was it just their Games that drove them to it or was it the continued manipulation afterwards. Some of them seemed to come out of it OK. Some of the Careers. Even Mags-she almost just seemed like an old woman. Not too terribly mad. And even at that Beetee seemed to come out as well as one could have. But I suppose he is the analytical type. And his use to the government would be to continue to develop and invent the latest technology. That seems to be straight up his alley..to always be using his mind. Maybe for him it wasn't that bad.
And with a little bit more of the background of the Victor-Tributes it makes me wonder back to book two. At the interviews. Maybe all the other Victors were glaring at Katniss, but not really at her. At President Snow's manipulation. Knowing that she was going through things that they themselves had gone through (the manipulation, the threats). All along, I had been working under the assumption that only Katniss was the one who was being threatened in order to to the President's bidding. I had never dreamed that it basically had been going on since the beginning of the Games. Now I also want to know more about Johanna's back story.
One last thought that I had. Or have had. Repeatedly. I don't think that Gale and Katniss ever could have ended up together. There are just things that Gale will never understand. There is a special bond between Finnick and Katniss that Gale would never have even. The bond of the Games. Gale may love Katniss with everything he has. He may always want to protect her. Do the right thing by her, love her. But there are parts of Katniss, major parts now, that he will never understand and he will never be able to soothe. Things that only other Victors would be able to understand.
What do you girls think? This might be the first time reading this book that I've thought "Oh my gosh, I've got to keep going! I NEED to find out what happens."
What are your suspicions about Peeta, his reaction to Katniss, what the could have been doing to him, telling him...to get a reaction like that?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Chapters 7-9
Chapter 7 - they land in District 8 and Katniss visits the Hospital; the attack on District 8; Katniss disobeys orders and goes to fight and Gale comes with her; Katniss has words for the president
Chapter 8 - return to 13; Katniss finds out that one of her cameramen is an Avox; the first Mockingjay propo (I like how they used a line from her Hunger games...way to turn it around!); her 'crew' lie about sending her into battle; Haymitch threatens Katniss to keep her earpiece in. Finnick and Kat watch her propo...which was followed by Peeta; and no one mentions Peeta.
Chapter 9 - return to 12; Mockingjay in the woods; Gale and Katniss in the victors house (I found that exchange to be manipulative); The war of the Propos and Peetas next statement.
I want to write more...but I am so tired that my eyelids are closing. So perhaps a quick list:
I don't know who to believe any more
I wish I knew was Peeta's motives were
Part of me wonders how well Katniss really knows Gale... She didn't pay much attention to his woods ramblings. I feel like every chapter there is something that surprises Katniss about him. Like the only thing that she really and truest knows with him is his hunting skill. They may move as one (like on the 39th level) ... But Katniss misses out on a lot.
*EDIT* Ok, so I re-read chapter nine. And pretty much what I've already said above covers what I think is really important in this three-chapter section. Who do we believe?? Peeta, D13, Capitol. Clearly not Capitol since we already know that they are liars and self-interested.
D13 I thought we could trust. I mean, they are militaristic to the extreme. Their punishment of Kat's prep team did not fit out standards of their crime (but again- waste and stealing are major crimes in D13 where everything is so closely guarded and regulated). But Peeta has a point. Everyone vying for power has their own best interests in mind. They aren't going to share information unless they have to. They are going to manipulate and use whatever they have at their disposal to get what they want.
Peeta kind of frightens me. I wonder what they've done to him. How they've tortured him. How they've manipulated him. He may be a strong person, but I don't think that anyone is that strong. And he can only be what, 18? That is an extremely impressionable age. So much of who you are as an adult is determined in adolescent and early adulthood years.
And Gale...this love triangle keeps getting more and more complicated. When Gale says that bit about transferring their hunting skills to using weapons against the Capitol.... Katniss always thought that he was just talking against the Capitol so long ago in the woods. I feel like Gale has continually surprised her with his outright rebellion. And I feel like it was so manipulative-that moment in Kat's Victor house kitchen. The quote about "Because I'm in pain. That's the only way I get your attention."...so my thought is-is that his real emotion. Knowing that he can never have Katniss the way he wants her (which I assume is still as best friend/love/wife at some point). Is he telling the truth? Can he be honest-to-goodness hurt and at the same time be manipulating her feelings?
What can I say: I hate being manipulated. Just like I can identify with Katniss when she says the bit about "I'm sick of being lied to for my own good. Because really it's mostly for their own good" (p 115). I detest being lied to. And especially, just like Kat, the "for your own good" lies. Just tell me the truth. Back in my freshman year of college, my dad had to have emergency neck surgery. One of my brothers didn't want my parents to call and tell me. Because they didn't want me to worry or something. No-don't do that. Don't baby me. Don't keep me out of the loop. Tell me so that I can make my own opinions, judgments, and learn and grow because of it.
Chapter 8 - return to 13; Katniss finds out that one of her cameramen is an Avox; the first Mockingjay propo (I like how they used a line from her Hunger games...way to turn it around!); her 'crew' lie about sending her into battle; Haymitch threatens Katniss to keep her earpiece in. Finnick and Kat watch her propo...which was followed by Peeta; and no one mentions Peeta.
Chapter 9 - return to 12; Mockingjay in the woods; Gale and Katniss in the victors house (I found that exchange to be manipulative); The war of the Propos and Peetas next statement.
I want to write more...but I am so tired that my eyelids are closing. So perhaps a quick list:
I don't know who to believe any more
I wish I knew was Peeta's motives were
Part of me wonders how well Katniss really knows Gale... She didn't pay much attention to his woods ramblings. I feel like every chapter there is something that surprises Katniss about him. Like the only thing that she really and truest knows with him is his hunting skill. They may move as one (like on the 39th level) ... But Katniss misses out on a lot.
*EDIT* Ok, so I re-read chapter nine. And pretty much what I've already said above covers what I think is really important in this three-chapter section. Who do we believe?? Peeta, D13, Capitol. Clearly not Capitol since we already know that they are liars and self-interested.
D13 I thought we could trust. I mean, they are militaristic to the extreme. Their punishment of Kat's prep team did not fit out standards of their crime (but again- waste and stealing are major crimes in D13 where everything is so closely guarded and regulated). But Peeta has a point. Everyone vying for power has their own best interests in mind. They aren't going to share information unless they have to. They are going to manipulate and use whatever they have at their disposal to get what they want.
Peeta kind of frightens me. I wonder what they've done to him. How they've tortured him. How they've manipulated him. He may be a strong person, but I don't think that anyone is that strong. And he can only be what, 18? That is an extremely impressionable age. So much of who you are as an adult is determined in adolescent and early adulthood years.
And Gale...this love triangle keeps getting more and more complicated. When Gale says that bit about transferring their hunting skills to using weapons against the Capitol.... Katniss always thought that he was just talking against the Capitol so long ago in the woods. I feel like Gale has continually surprised her with his outright rebellion. And I feel like it was so manipulative-that moment in Kat's Victor house kitchen. The quote about "Because I'm in pain. That's the only way I get your attention."...so my thought is-is that his real emotion. Knowing that he can never have Katniss the way he wants her (which I assume is still as best friend/love/wife at some point). Is he telling the truth? Can he be honest-to-goodness hurt and at the same time be manipulating her feelings?
What can I say: I hate being manipulated. Just like I can identify with Katniss when she says the bit about "I'm sick of being lied to for my own good. Because really it's mostly for their own good" (p 115). I detest being lied to. And especially, just like Kat, the "for your own good" lies. Just tell me the truth. Back in my freshman year of college, my dad had to have emergency neck surgery. One of my brothers didn't want my parents to call and tell me. Because they didn't want me to worry or something. No-don't do that. Don't baby me. Don't keep me out of the loop. Tell me so that I can make my own opinions, judgments, and learn and grow because of it.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Chapters 4-6
Chapter 4 - Katniss breaks into the cell and demands her prep team be released; Gale and Katniss go hunting; we get to see Finnick in his extra nervous state; President Coin 'counter-offers' Kat's demands
Chapter 5 - Kat digests Coin's counter-offer (she really has no choice); the prep team go back to work on Kat; Posy is kind to Octavia at lunch; Gale and Katniss finally see Beetee; Katniss gets her new bow (AMAZING); she gets made up, put into her costume, and they try her out on the soudn stage...where she is brought straight back to reality by Haymitch (HAYMITCH?)
Chapter 6 - Haymitch takes the lead on Katniss-the-Mockingjay; he brings everyone in the loop that she just isn't the kind of leader they want-she's got to be in the action; Haymitch and Katniss kind of patch things over in sharing the blame for Peeta; Katniss has another run-in with Finnick; and Sarah gets a little crush on Boggs ;)
So it turns out that Plutarch and Fulvia didn't know that Octavia, Falvius, and Venia were being treatly so harshly. And being punished so severely because they took bread? That seems so extreme to me. Even if they had done it several times. Was someone actually walking them through their transition to D13, or were they just thrown in and expected to conform. Let's face it: they were kidnapped and moved to D13 against their will. They weren't prepared for the sacrifices they were making. And they are kind of simple... Kat is right- abusing them is like abusing children (or animals). As much as I understand that D13 has to be very strict with their food, this is overboard. Total militaristic rule. I wish Katniss would have stood up for them more when Gale questioned her. Why defend them? Because no human deserves to be treated like that. That's why.
Coin's counter offer--all I can say is smart move on her part. No one who runs a militaristic gov't like D13 will let someone else have all the power.
This I couldn't let go without highlighting it and brining it up here. Posy is exactly the way everyone should be. During the encounter between Posy and Octavia at lunch, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. It made me wish I was more like Posy:
"It's meant to be pretty," whispers Octavia, and I can see the tears threatening to spill over her lashes.
Post considers this and says matter-of-factly, "I think you'd be pretty in any color." p 61
I feel Beetee was treated rather unfairly as well. Rushed straight down to inventing before he was even fully recovered. On the other hand, knowing Beetee, he would have been too bored to sit and do nothing. Just recover in a hospital wing. Given that he went ahead and invented this incredible bow for Katniss when D13 had just wanted something that looked nice. I'm glad he has got that kind of mind. People tell him something or give him a requirment, and he just goes ahead and does exactly the best that he can do: above and beyond what has been asked of him. Is it a trial to himself to see what he can do? I don't know-it seems 'effortless' for him. I put effortless in quotes because I'm sure it took him tens of hours to develop the ideas and execute them. But it seems so obvious to him: "well, why wouldn't a create the best top-of-the-line weapon for Katniss to use??" And the bow and arrows are AMAZING!
To be honest... I am kind of glad Haymitch is back. At least he understands Kat's abilities and limitations. I am glad her "pregnancy" is finally being left. The electrocution is the perfect excuse. But it still makes me cringe every time they have to remind themselves "We're still in the Game." Although I guess that living in Panem, you are always playing the game.
What Beetee says about Finnick in Special Defense makes me wonder and want to know what else he has been through... "If you knew what Finnick's been through the last few years, you'd know how remarkable it is he's still with us at all. Tell him I've been working on a new trident for him though, will you?" p 65 What else could he have gone through?? I am sure that it will be important later on. Collins always seems to do that: throw a tidbit in that might seem insignificant...but it is really important. Want to guess at what else he has been through? (Hunger Games, being a mentor, crazy girlfriend...and??? is it true that no one leaves the Games??? except maybe the careers. :-P)
I feel a little heartbroken for Finnick. And I really identify with him. If I had to predict any outcome for myself in a situation like he went through, I am pretty sure I would be crazy too. The scene near the end of Chp 6 when he comes running out to Katniss was equally heartbreaking and humorous (well, the end bit was funny). I mean, I can just see him in my mind's eye: running towards Kat in his hospital gown, with a rope in his hands (short enough so he can't do himself harm), I can see the pain and confussion in his eyes. The distress at not being able to go. My heart is aching just thinking about it. When he got back to his old self ("What? Do you find this-distracting?") I was so glad. I was glad to see at least a glimmer of the Finnick I love.
And I also love what Boggs says at the end of the chapter "Well don't expect us to be too impressed. We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear" p 79. LOL!!!
One last thing (sorry this is so long!!) I kind of skipped over District 13's entire existence. The huge part that they played in and after the Dark Days. Their history. Waiting underground until the time is right. Suffering, in their own way, almost as much as the other 12 districts.
Chapter 5 - Kat digests Coin's counter-offer (she really has no choice); the prep team go back to work on Kat; Posy is kind to Octavia at lunch; Gale and Katniss finally see Beetee; Katniss gets her new bow (AMAZING); she gets made up, put into her costume, and they try her out on the soudn stage...where she is brought straight back to reality by Haymitch (HAYMITCH?)
Chapter 6 - Haymitch takes the lead on Katniss-the-Mockingjay; he brings everyone in the loop that she just isn't the kind of leader they want-she's got to be in the action; Haymitch and Katniss kind of patch things over in sharing the blame for Peeta; Katniss has another run-in with Finnick; and Sarah gets a little crush on Boggs ;)
So it turns out that Plutarch and Fulvia didn't know that Octavia, Falvius, and Venia were being treatly so harshly. And being punished so severely because they took bread? That seems so extreme to me. Even if they had done it several times. Was someone actually walking them through their transition to D13, or were they just thrown in and expected to conform. Let's face it: they were kidnapped and moved to D13 against their will. They weren't prepared for the sacrifices they were making. And they are kind of simple... Kat is right- abusing them is like abusing children (or animals). As much as I understand that D13 has to be very strict with their food, this is overboard. Total militaristic rule. I wish Katniss would have stood up for them more when Gale questioned her. Why defend them? Because no human deserves to be treated like that. That's why.
Coin's counter offer--all I can say is smart move on her part. No one who runs a militaristic gov't like D13 will let someone else have all the power.
This I couldn't let go without highlighting it and brining it up here. Posy is exactly the way everyone should be. During the encounter between Posy and Octavia at lunch, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. It made me wish I was more like Posy:
"It's meant to be pretty," whispers Octavia, and I can see the tears threatening to spill over her lashes.
Post considers this and says matter-of-factly, "I think you'd be pretty in any color." p 61
I feel Beetee was treated rather unfairly as well. Rushed straight down to inventing before he was even fully recovered. On the other hand, knowing Beetee, he would have been too bored to sit and do nothing. Just recover in a hospital wing. Given that he went ahead and invented this incredible bow for Katniss when D13 had just wanted something that looked nice. I'm glad he has got that kind of mind. People tell him something or give him a requirment, and he just goes ahead and does exactly the best that he can do: above and beyond what has been asked of him. Is it a trial to himself to see what he can do? I don't know-it seems 'effortless' for him. I put effortless in quotes because I'm sure it took him tens of hours to develop the ideas and execute them. But it seems so obvious to him: "well, why wouldn't a create the best top-of-the-line weapon for Katniss to use??" And the bow and arrows are AMAZING!
To be honest... I am kind of glad Haymitch is back. At least he understands Kat's abilities and limitations. I am glad her "pregnancy" is finally being left. The electrocution is the perfect excuse. But it still makes me cringe every time they have to remind themselves "We're still in the Game." Although I guess that living in Panem, you are always playing the game.
What Beetee says about Finnick in Special Defense makes me wonder and want to know what else he has been through... "If you knew what Finnick's been through the last few years, you'd know how remarkable it is he's still with us at all. Tell him I've been working on a new trident for him though, will you?" p 65 What else could he have gone through?? I am sure that it will be important later on. Collins always seems to do that: throw a tidbit in that might seem insignificant...but it is really important. Want to guess at what else he has been through? (Hunger Games, being a mentor, crazy girlfriend...and??? is it true that no one leaves the Games??? except maybe the careers. :-P)
I feel a little heartbroken for Finnick. And I really identify with him. If I had to predict any outcome for myself in a situation like he went through, I am pretty sure I would be crazy too. The scene near the end of Chp 6 when he comes running out to Katniss was equally heartbreaking and humorous (well, the end bit was funny). I mean, I can just see him in my mind's eye: running towards Kat in his hospital gown, with a rope in his hands (short enough so he can't do himself harm), I can see the pain and confussion in his eyes. The distress at not being able to go. My heart is aching just thinking about it. When he got back to his old self ("What? Do you find this-distracting?") I was so glad. I was glad to see at least a glimmer of the Finnick I love.
And I also love what Boggs says at the end of the chapter "Well don't expect us to be too impressed. We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear" p 79. LOL!!!
One last thing (sorry this is so long!!) I kind of skipped over District 13's entire existence. The huge part that they played in and after the Dark Days. Their history. Waiting underground until the time is right. Suffering, in their own way, almost as much as the other 12 districts.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Mockingjay, Chapters 1-3
Part I - The Ashes
Chapter 1 - Katniss is back in District 12; Gale saved as many citizens as he could, and they now live as refugees at District 13 (it does exist!); the rebels want Katniss to be their Mockingjay, but she hasn't decided yet; she retrieves Buttercup from their home in Victors Circle... and discovers a rose left just for her
Chapter 2 - More details about District 13 (the history, the rules, the lifestyle); Haymitch is sobering up (finally); Peeta's (OMG) interview; Katniss and Gale seem to finally be back on the same page-he runs after her to find her while getting his comunicuff confiscated; Katniss decides to be the Mockingjay
Chapter 3 - At Prim's suggestion, Katniss comes up with demands; she gets Cinna's sketchbook (I can't wiat to see what Beetee has got for her...but now I'm wondering what will change after the next plot point which is... going down to level 39 and finding what is behind door 3908
Confession: I was a little bored in the first two chapters. I think that is only because I know that there is so much action yet to come. On the other hand, I know that the author needs to lay the groundwork for the rest of the book.
I feel Kat's pain; the poor 17-year old girl. She has so much guilt within her. She has seen so much death and violence. She has been threatened (threats to her family, all the people she loves, and herself) and been through two completely traumatizing games. Not to mention that she didn't get to save Peeta, and that she now discovers she has been part of a plan that was even bigger than she imagined. Talking about having the weight of the world on your shoulder. I am almost surprised she has't suffered a complete mental breakdown
As far as District 13... I'm a little uneasy about them. Their strict schedule reminds me a little bit of the movie "The Island" (have you girls seen it? You should...Ewan McGreggor. What a beautiful specimen of man. ;)). Everyone wears the same clothes, has a relatively strict diet, follows a schedule, and basically doesn't ask questions. Like Katniss says at one point: they are almost as controlling as the Capitol.
Peeta's interview...now that seems a little hairy. Katniss seems to think that because he looks whole, everything is alright and that they never tortured him or anything. I don't know if I buy that. After all...they repaired her blown-out ear, gave Peeta a prosthetic leg, and can pretty much do anything they want to appearances. I hope that Peeta hasn't been tortured. That he is actually got some amount of control. The more likely scenario is that he is being used by the Capitol and President Snow. Gale seems to think that he struck a deal with the Capitol...Maybe they said if he co-operated that they would not harm Katniss? But it makes me wonder who is the one with all the power. It must be the Capitol. So even if Peeta did make a deal, he isn't the one in control and he is not exactly safe...could be getting used just one more time. Once again...lots of suspicion and too many questions that don't have answers.
This quote from Peeta I loved: "To murder innocent people?" says Peeta. "It costs you everything you are." It is so true, and a total double entendre against the Capitol...who has been murdering innocent children for decades. I also like how ferociously he defended himself and Katniss. It is like some totally new Peeta has been released. He is (almost) openly criticizing the Capitol. And he called for a cease-fire...what do you ladies make of all that??
A few other quick notes: I love Kat's demands (hunting with Gale- finally!). And especially the play between her and Coin over "I Kill Snow." Cinna's sketchbook and note to Katniss brought tears to my eyes. It meant so much to me. And I may have gone through phases with Gale, Peeta, and Finnick...but it is really Cinna who absolutely has stolen my heart.
And what is behind door 3908. First I have to say that I love the way Katniss and Gale are connected. Perfectly executed distraction without having to even say a word. Absolutely perfect. But when I got to the last three words of the chapter "My prep team." My heart stopped. I wanted to go on to the next page. I stopped though (self-restraint...I has it). What does it mean? Clearly District 13 is as ruthless and has as many secrets as the Capitol. Gosh- they never did anything wrong besides live their lives. Why are they there? Did D13 punish them? Torture them? Must have...Why did Heavensbee take her there??? Fluvia was excited to bring Katniss down there for her surprise. They clearly must have thought her team would be alive and well...not shackled to the wall!!!
Chapter 1 - Katniss is back in District 12; Gale saved as many citizens as he could, and they now live as refugees at District 13 (it does exist!); the rebels want Katniss to be their Mockingjay, but she hasn't decided yet; she retrieves Buttercup from their home in Victors Circle... and discovers a rose left just for her
Chapter 2 - More details about District 13 (the history, the rules, the lifestyle); Haymitch is sobering up (finally); Peeta's (OMG) interview; Katniss and Gale seem to finally be back on the same page-he runs after her to find her while getting his comunicuff confiscated; Katniss decides to be the Mockingjay
Chapter 3 - At Prim's suggestion, Katniss comes up with demands; she gets Cinna's sketchbook (I can't wiat to see what Beetee has got for her...but now I'm wondering what will change after the next plot point which is... going down to level 39 and finding what is behind door 3908
Confession: I was a little bored in the first two chapters. I think that is only because I know that there is so much action yet to come. On the other hand, I know that the author needs to lay the groundwork for the rest of the book.
I feel Kat's pain; the poor 17-year old girl. She has so much guilt within her. She has seen so much death and violence. She has been threatened (threats to her family, all the people she loves, and herself) and been through two completely traumatizing games. Not to mention that she didn't get to save Peeta, and that she now discovers she has been part of a plan that was even bigger than she imagined. Talking about having the weight of the world on your shoulder. I am almost surprised she has't suffered a complete mental breakdown
As far as District 13... I'm a little uneasy about them. Their strict schedule reminds me a little bit of the movie "The Island" (have you girls seen it? You should...Ewan McGreggor. What a beautiful specimen of man. ;)). Everyone wears the same clothes, has a relatively strict diet, follows a schedule, and basically doesn't ask questions. Like Katniss says at one point: they are almost as controlling as the Capitol.
Peeta's interview...now that seems a little hairy. Katniss seems to think that because he looks whole, everything is alright and that they never tortured him or anything. I don't know if I buy that. After all...they repaired her blown-out ear, gave Peeta a prosthetic leg, and can pretty much do anything they want to appearances. I hope that Peeta hasn't been tortured. That he is actually got some amount of control. The more likely scenario is that he is being used by the Capitol and President Snow. Gale seems to think that he struck a deal with the Capitol...Maybe they said if he co-operated that they would not harm Katniss? But it makes me wonder who is the one with all the power. It must be the Capitol. So even if Peeta did make a deal, he isn't the one in control and he is not exactly safe...could be getting used just one more time. Once again...lots of suspicion and too many questions that don't have answers.
This quote from Peeta I loved: "To murder innocent people?" says Peeta. "It costs you everything you are." It is so true, and a total double entendre against the Capitol...who has been murdering innocent children for decades. I also like how ferociously he defended himself and Katniss. It is like some totally new Peeta has been released. He is (almost) openly criticizing the Capitol. And he called for a cease-fire...what do you ladies make of all that??
A few other quick notes: I love Kat's demands (hunting with Gale- finally!). And especially the play between her and Coin over "I Kill Snow." Cinna's sketchbook and note to Katniss brought tears to my eyes. It meant so much to me. And I may have gone through phases with Gale, Peeta, and Finnick...but it is really Cinna who absolutely has stolen my heart.
And what is behind door 3908. First I have to say that I love the way Katniss and Gale are connected. Perfectly executed distraction without having to even say a word. Absolutely perfect. But when I got to the last three words of the chapter "My prep team." My heart stopped. I wanted to go on to the next page. I stopped though (self-restraint...I has it). What does it mean? Clearly District 13 is as ruthless and has as many secrets as the Capitol. Gosh- they never did anything wrong besides live their lives. Why are they there? Did D13 punish them? Torture them? Must have...Why did Heavensbee take her there??? Fluvia was excited to bring Katniss down there for her surprise. They clearly must have thought her team would be alive and well...not shackled to the wall!!!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Part III - the enemy
In an effort to just get to the end so we can all start the third book, I am speeding this up and writing a quick entry about the third section.
With all the action, story, adventure, and excitement that has happened so far, it is hard to believe that this third section added just as much to the story. I loved the arena. It really was perfect. Here I thought that just the image of the disappearing Mockingjay on the head Gamemakers watch was foreshadowing. Turns out the whole watch itself and what he says about the start time of the meeting were the clues. I love that everything in this arena seems so structured. It gives the ... intuitive ones an advantage. Who knows how long it would have taken the rest of the Tribute Victors to figure out that all of the game's horrors came at the same time every twelve hours. As sad as I am to say it...it takes me a while to pick up things like that in my own life. ;)
I also want to say that I am a little bit in love with Finnick. He seems like he is actually a good guy. The more I get to know all the Victors, the more I want them all to live (well... maybe I could do without the Careers. :-P)
Right now, the thing that spurred me on to write the entry was Peeta and Katniss having their discussion on the beach. The one where Peeta "gives Katniss everything", as she says. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful moment. He loves her so much; he wants her to continue living without him. Get back to her family and to Gale. <3 To say: here, survive. Live and love your family without guilt...it is what I want for you. Not many people (men or otherwise) are that good.
Of course, knowing all the trauma that the game give the contestants, I can't foresee Katniss having a very easy time of it even if she did go back to a "normal" life. The only comfort she has had between the games (and even in the games) was in Peeta. The one who loved her so much; knew exactly what the Games do to you during and after. It was a beautiful moment.
I will leave it at that for now... and perhaps in the comments get to the break-out and the "Katniss...there is no District 12." ;)
Again: anything you girls want to bring up, feel free! It doesn't have to be something I've already talked about. I just mention things that strike me. So far my favorite thing is to see what else to girls like or when we have differences of opinion. Lay it on me.
<3
With all the action, story, adventure, and excitement that has happened so far, it is hard to believe that this third section added just as much to the story. I loved the arena. It really was perfect. Here I thought that just the image of the disappearing Mockingjay on the head Gamemakers watch was foreshadowing. Turns out the whole watch itself and what he says about the start time of the meeting were the clues. I love that everything in this arena seems so structured. It gives the ... intuitive ones an advantage. Who knows how long it would have taken the rest of the Tribute Victors to figure out that all of the game's horrors came at the same time every twelve hours. As sad as I am to say it...it takes me a while to pick up things like that in my own life. ;)
I also want to say that I am a little bit in love with Finnick. He seems like he is actually a good guy. The more I get to know all the Victors, the more I want them all to live (well... maybe I could do without the Careers. :-P)
Right now, the thing that spurred me on to write the entry was Peeta and Katniss having their discussion on the beach. The one where Peeta "gives Katniss everything", as she says. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful moment. He loves her so much; he wants her to continue living without him. Get back to her family and to Gale. <3 To say: here, survive. Live and love your family without guilt...it is what I want for you. Not many people (men or otherwise) are that good.
Of course, knowing all the trauma that the game give the contestants, I can't foresee Katniss having a very easy time of it even if she did go back to a "normal" life. The only comfort she has had between the games (and even in the games) was in Peeta. The one who loved her so much; knew exactly what the Games do to you during and after. It was a beautiful moment.
I will leave it at that for now... and perhaps in the comments get to the break-out and the "Katniss...there is no District 12." ;)
Again: anything you girls want to bring up, feel free! It doesn't have to be something I've already talked about. I just mention things that strike me. So far my favorite thing is to see what else to girls like or when we have differences of opinion. Lay it on me.
<3
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Chapters 16-18
Chapter 16 - Katniss's silent message to Darius; Haymitch asks them to make friends during their training; She meets Wiress and Beetee and gets information about their uprising; she gets information about force fields and their weakness; She also meets Mags, and inadvertedly shows off her shooting skills; Private training sessions and scores.
"...maybe Haymitch is right...Don't tell him I said so, but he usually is, where the Games are concerned." p 230
Chapter 17 - Peeta and Katniss both get 12s for their private session; Peeta and Katniss get to spend an entire day together, trying to relax and enjoy each other; Prep for the interviews; the fact that Snow is making Kat wear her horrid bridal gown; the interviews begin; Katniss is turned into a Mockingjay.
Chapter 18 - Cinna takes a bow for his design; Peeta's interview; Kat's false pregnancy (why is kat empowered??); the Victors joining hands in a sign of unity; Cinna's punishment; the next arean is revealed
As far as the private training sessions go, I am curious how Peeta knew how Rue looked covered in flowers. I thought that the Capitol cut that part out during the recap. Can either of you girls set me straight? I suppose that even if they did, there is no reason that Katniss couldn't have told him about it afterward (again... I might be forgetting that they actually did talk about it).
"If I can make it clear that I'm still defying the Capitol right up to the end, the Capitol will have killed me...but not my spirit. What better way to give hope to the rebels?" p 243
When the two of them are spending their day together and their nights sleeping in the same bed, I can't help but think maybe Katniss really does have some kind of real attraction to him? Or at least she lets her guard down enough to be comforted by Peeta, protected by his presence.
Can I just say that as vapid as Kat's prep team is, I kind of love them a little bit. Especially Venia who keeps everyone on track the last time that they prep her. I love what she says to Kat at the end... "We would all like you to know what a...privilege it has been to make you look your best."
I am curious about the reasons that people are staring Kat down with daggers in their eyes. I was trying to figure out: jealousy over the dress, anger that the President put her in it? Johanna has been so abrasive, but I love the moment that they have before the interviews. It's a touching moment. I can almost hear the pity and anger in her voice. It's a kind and affectionate gesture to fix her necklace and say "Make him pay for it, okay?" At least, that is how I interpretted it. How did you girls hear it? Touching moment between those two or anger at President Snow? The whole relationship between the victors has me emotionally confused. I want for them to work together...have campfires and sign Kumbahya or something. But I also know that they are all vicious on the inside. At least as far as the Games are concerned. Gosh- Even Peeta confuses me sometimes.
I am going to skip right to Kat's interview, even though I think that what the other Victors said before her is equally important. As soon as Katniss turned into the Mockingjay, my stomach dropped straight to my feet. Especially when Ceasar pointed him out and asked him to take a bow. The double meaning behind that: pointing out his accomplishment that is really one of the most visible signs of the rebellion everywhere but the Capitol. Pointing him out for recognition by the audience who loves him...and out to the Peacekeepers and other gov't people who are probably already planning how to kill him. All I could think of was "Cinna: what have you done??"... I don't want another character I love to be punished. But I also think I wouldn't love him as much if he didn't stand up for the rebellion and what is right: fighting for equality. This act is right in line with the rest of his character development.
It is amazing how clueless the Capitol citizens. (then again...aren't I clueless about half of the injustice even in our own country?) They were probably just falling off their seats with excitment...trying to figure out how they can get the feathered look in their everyday fashion.
"We victors staged our own uprising, and maybe, just maybe, the Capitol won't be able to contain this one." p 259 YES! I hope it continues and follows through to the games...
And lastly ending with the end of Part II...Cinna's punishment is also Katniss's punishment. And the arean is water.
"...maybe Haymitch is right...Don't tell him I said so, but he usually is, where the Games are concerned." p 230
Chapter 17 - Peeta and Katniss both get 12s for their private session; Peeta and Katniss get to spend an entire day together, trying to relax and enjoy each other; Prep for the interviews; the fact that Snow is making Kat wear her horrid bridal gown; the interviews begin; Katniss is turned into a Mockingjay.
Chapter 18 - Cinna takes a bow for his design; Peeta's interview; Kat's false pregnancy (why is kat empowered??); the Victors joining hands in a sign of unity; Cinna's punishment; the next arean is revealed
As far as the private training sessions go, I am curious how Peeta knew how Rue looked covered in flowers. I thought that the Capitol cut that part out during the recap. Can either of you girls set me straight? I suppose that even if they did, there is no reason that Katniss couldn't have told him about it afterward (again... I might be forgetting that they actually did talk about it).
"If I can make it clear that I'm still defying the Capitol right up to the end, the Capitol will have killed me...but not my spirit. What better way to give hope to the rebels?" p 243
When the two of them are spending their day together and their nights sleeping in the same bed, I can't help but think maybe Katniss really does have some kind of real attraction to him? Or at least she lets her guard down enough to be comforted by Peeta, protected by his presence.
Can I just say that as vapid as Kat's prep team is, I kind of love them a little bit. Especially Venia who keeps everyone on track the last time that they prep her. I love what she says to Kat at the end... "We would all like you to know what a...privilege it has been to make you look your best."
I am curious about the reasons that people are staring Kat down with daggers in their eyes. I was trying to figure out: jealousy over the dress, anger that the President put her in it? Johanna has been so abrasive, but I love the moment that they have before the interviews. It's a touching moment. I can almost hear the pity and anger in her voice. It's a kind and affectionate gesture to fix her necklace and say "Make him pay for it, okay?" At least, that is how I interpretted it. How did you girls hear it? Touching moment between those two or anger at President Snow? The whole relationship between the victors has me emotionally confused. I want for them to work together...have campfires and sign Kumbahya or something. But I also know that they are all vicious on the inside. At least as far as the Games are concerned. Gosh- Even Peeta confuses me sometimes.
I am going to skip right to Kat's interview, even though I think that what the other Victors said before her is equally important. As soon as Katniss turned into the Mockingjay, my stomach dropped straight to my feet. Especially when Ceasar pointed him out and asked him to take a bow. The double meaning behind that: pointing out his accomplishment that is really one of the most visible signs of the rebellion everywhere but the Capitol. Pointing him out for recognition by the audience who loves him...and out to the Peacekeepers and other gov't people who are probably already planning how to kill him. All I could think of was "Cinna: what have you done??"... I don't want another character I love to be punished. But I also think I wouldn't love him as much if he didn't stand up for the rebellion and what is right: fighting for equality. This act is right in line with the rest of his character development.
It is amazing how clueless the Capitol citizens. (then again...aren't I clueless about half of the injustice even in our own country?) They were probably just falling off their seats with excitment...trying to figure out how they can get the feathered look in their everyday fashion.
"We victors staged our own uprising, and maybe, just maybe, the Capitol won't be able to contain this one." p 259 YES! I hope it continues and follows through to the games...
And lastly ending with the end of Part II...Cinna's punishment is also Katniss's punishment. And the arean is water.
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