The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins -> Restarting April 26th, 2025

[Alaina]

Oh, so excited to jump into the og trilogy now :)

[Ellen-Arwen]

Alaina wrote: "Oh, so excited to jump into the og trilogy now :)"

Awesome! (sorry I've been MIA for a few days - been ill and am catching up veeeeery slowly. All my meticulous plans of when to read what have gone out the window)


When are you thinking of reading the OG trilogy? I have no idea when I'll have time atm, but I am SO looking forward to it after some pretty hard reads

[Alaina]

Ch 1-7: (view spoiler)[Ah, it's weird to be back in this world. It's always so sad that Prim gets picked and now Katniss has volunteered. It's also crazy realizing how Effie goes into the boys' bowl so differently now because of all the chaos.

Haymitch being drunk is also sad but I'm happy he's trying to be more present and sober to actually help these two. Oh, the training was interesting and Rue being their shadow just makes me smile. A SAD SMILE BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IS COMING BUT STILL.

As for shooting the arrow at the apple in the pig's mouth, good. Should've shot one of the people in the room too... but details. (hide spoiler)]

[Ellen-Arwen]

Alaina wrote: "
Ch 1-7: Ah, it's weird to be back in this world. It's always so sad that Prim gets picked and now Katniss has volunteered. It's also crazy realizing how Effie g..."

I've got to read all of the Maine/Amgash series by Elizabeth Strout before Wednesday (not sure that's going to happen, so I'm skipping forward to the last one :P) but I'll join you as soon as I can! I need something fast and... YA-ish lol. Even though it's hard, it's hard in a different way, I guess.

[Alaina]

Take your time! I'm just happy that I can finally read a buddy book lol

[Jessica]

I finished these the other week, finally coming back and adding my thoughts
Part 1
(view spoiler)[ I love being back in this world. It’s been too long since I read these. Katniss volunteering for Prim is such a great moment. Given everything I wonder if Haymitch actually passed out or if that was for Katniss to give her a moment and take the heat off of her. I’ve always been a Peeta girl and how could you not be, he’s such a gem. The way he shocks Katniss here is so good. Also Katniss pulling the knife on Haymitch, so good. There are so many great moments and I’m so glad to see that time hasn’t diminished these in any way for me.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Alaina wrote: "
Ch 1-7: Ah, it's weird to be back in this world. It's always so sad that Prim gets picked and now Katniss has volunteered. It's also crazy realizing how Effie g..."

So real with the sad smile, that's also how I feel about (view spoiler)[ saving Prim because as it turns out it's all for nothing and she still dies in the end. It's the point but damn it hurts. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapters 10-14
(view spoiler)[ I love how the games are set up and what we get to see, I’m so so glad Peeta was okay after the tracker jackers. I love that this is how Katniss gets her bow but so creepy. They are all really lucky that they didn’t get killed by others while under the venom’s influence. I had forgotten the order of things so I was totally on edge waiting for Cinna to happen only to realize when that part passed that that is in Catching Fire not this one. I’m excited for her to ally with Rue but also that means we are closer to her death and I don’t want it.
(hide spoiler)]

End of Part 2
(view spoiler)[ God that hurt, I always cry at Rue’s death. Now there’s the chance for Katniss and Peeta but of course we all know that will be taken away. To me this is the moment where Katniss’ feelings for him become clear but she’s rightly focused on everything else.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ These books are so good, I adore this series. I had wondered if it wouldn’t hit as hard now but it’s still got it. Her prep team babbling about what they were doing when certain kids died is so terrible but such a great statement. I enjoy how weirded out Katniss is by Haymitch’s request for a hug, but yes that was not actually his intent. I read these in release order so I did Sunrise after but having finished it, it definitely pains all of Haymitch’s actions in a new light.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapters 1-6
(view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Peeta, he really thought they were happy together then gets the rug pulled out from him and has to pretend for the cameras, brutal. Dumping icy water on Haymitch to wake him up is such a great move, makes me laugh every time. Snow visiting is so scary, he gives me the creeps every time. I like that Haymitch sticks up for Peeta, reminding her that he’s a great guy and she’s lucky to have him even if he isn't what she wants, which is he is but that’s another story. I’m glad when she finally lets Peeta know what’s up. Snow’s convince me is so terrible knowing how he uses it.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 7-13
(view spoiler)[ Poor Katniss, I like that it takes her a minute to realize what the Quell means, it was very real. Going to go get drunk with Haymitch is a fine way to deal in my opinion. And yes to saving Peeta, if only it had worked out that way. Gale getting whipped is brutal. Even though I know she’s okay it’s so nerve wracking when Katniss gets stuck on the wrong side of the fence. Bonnie and Twill are such interesting characters, I like how they introduce Thirteen but it’s still a mystery as to whether it’s real or not. (hide spoiler)]

End of Part Two
(view spoiler)[ And here’s the scene I mistakenly thought was in book one. Poor Cinna, and what terrible way to end up in the arena, of course it’s disorienting, it was made to throw her off and get her killed which thankfully didn’t work out. It’s such a different vibe these games, I like getting to know the other victors and seeing who Katniss chooses, it’s also fun to see them in a pack rather than on their own. Peeta once again steals the show at the interview with the pregnancy reveal. He is so good at that.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 19-23
(view spoiler)[ This arena is awful, though I love how she and Finnick became allies. Poor Mags, that hurt and when Peeta’s heart stopped so did mine, Katniss’ pain is so real. All the elements of this clock are terrible, I don’t know what I would find the worse, but the blood rain seems pretty high up there. I’m just imaging how different this would be if Haymitch was in there with her, with all his scheming would it go better or worse?
(hide spoiler)]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ This one is my favourite of the trilogy, it’s so so good. The way she blows up the arena is epic, but it hurts that there’s no Peeta, knowing what happens to him. Also all the ones who died to get to this moment, and 12, no longer there. I'm so glad I reread these.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapters 1-6
(view spoiler)[ District 13 is interesting, I get to a point why they feel they couldn’t intervene sooner but there are things they could have done, not the least of which being helping Twelve more after the bombing. Speaking of I love how Buttercut survived and how Katniss sneaks him back for Prim. Katniss’ demands are all great and I’m glad it was pointed out to her that she can and should make demands. Her poor prep team, this was inhumane. Haymitch as always has the best entrance in this book, I love him so much. Also hilarious that he comes in to razz her then proceeds to convince them all she can’t perform for the camera.
(hide spoiler)]

End of Part 1
(view spoiler)[ Bombing the hospital was so brutal, quite the piece of propaganda they were able to make from it but so brutal. I hate how everyone keeps Peeta’s broadcast from Katniss, they should have told her. Then Peeta risks it all to warn them, I can’t, such a gem.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 10-15
(view spoiler)[ Even though I always get annoyed with Prim for going back for the cat that would totally be me so I shouldn’t judge her. It’s just so stressful. Then her breaking and then getting strangled by Peeta, I can’t. I hate how Katniss then avoids the situation even though again it’s totally what I would do. I just feel so bad for him. I really don’t like how ruthless Gale is, it makes me uncomfortable every time. Also the end line of this part is so epic, “Instead I watch myself get shot on television.” just so so good. There are so many epic quotes in this series but that will always be one of my favourites.
(hide spoiler)]

End of Part 2
(view spoiler)[ I know I shouldn’t be but I am always happy when Peeta shows up, yes it was a ploy to have Katniss killed but it allows her and Peeta to finally have some of the time they need together. Also the Capital with all its traps is fucking terrifying. Imagine if some of that had been set off accidentally before, no thank you.
(hide spoiler)]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ I love how Katniss takes over and they all let her. I hate what happens to Finnick, but Prim is what destroys me each and every time. The first time I read these I could not stop sobbing, I was devastated and all but she did it all for her, only later realizing that that was the point. Also the first time I reading through tears and so totally missed that she shot Coin instead of Snow and had to go back and reread 😂 I was like wait what why is all of this happening, and then I realized. I do love this epilogue it’s good to see Katniss and Peeta happy, I wanted to see them come back together, but I know that that wasn’t the focus.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

I didn't end up rereading Snow's book because I had to go on to Sunrise to get my BOTM points but I may reread it before the month is up, we will see.

[Alaina]

Ch 8-14: (view spoiler)[Ugh, her thinking Peeta is with them always hurts my heart. It probably wasn't the plan... but it also could've been one with Haymitch involved once they started training separately. Rue being in the trees and jumping from branch to branch is freaking smart. Love Rue so much and I'm not prepared for what's coming. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 15-21: (view spoiler)[So glad she found Peeta and is trying her hardest to heal him. The fever broke but man, that leg. So gross and he must feel awful. Not surprised she went to go get the bag that is going to save his life. Also, him realizing that they tasted like syrup and what she did to him. Oh, priceless. Let's give him medicine stat! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 22-Finish: (view spoiler)[Oof. Yeah, Snow is not happy one bit. They are definitely still in the hunger games... whether they know it or not. I also can't believe I forgot about Peeta's leg at the end. Because it's not mentioned in the movie... but I guess that's because he didn't hurt his legs at the end of the movie. Oh my god. My brain hurts and now I need to rewatch the movie. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 1-7: (view spoiler)[Ugh, Gale. This man-child... I still don't like him and probably never will. He didn't listen to her and now he's seeing it firsthand. As for Peeta, oh my heart. I love that she didn't have nightmares when they were sleeping next to each other. I'm hoping Peeta didn't either but we don't know. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 8-14: (view spoiler)[OMG I forgot that we saw his games in this book. My goodness. Oof. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 15-21: (view spoiler)[Mags dying always gets to me. She deserved better; heck, they all did. Glad they figured out the water situation but now they have monkeys to deal with. So much is going on and these games are getting intense. Poisonous fog? No, thank you. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 22-Finished: (view spoiler)[Ugh, them not saving Johanna or Peeta always gets to me. Then bombing district 12 and her waking up to Gale annoy me more than anything. I need Peeta back. He's perfect for her. I can't remember if his family makes it or not, but I have a feeling they didn't. Which, again, sucks so much for Peeta. (hide spoiler)]

[Ellen-Arwen]

I think I might not get round to these til June... Too many books, not enough time! :( gah. I'd like to read these but I somehow can't read properly... just fiddling around on GoodReads and planning stuff instead. Bit depressing, sorry! (Feeling sorry for myself lol)

[Alaina]

Ch 1-7: (view spoiler)[

And if we burn, you burn with us!"

My goodness. Pissed-off Katniss is not good for Snow. I love it. And yet, I'm still sad about the hospital in District 8. Then there's Finnick, who is still trying to recover mentally. No idea what's going on with the tributes back in the Capitol. Not a fan of Gale or Coin. I'm mentally preparing for the reunion, though. Also, I miss Effie! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 8-14: (view spoiler)[Yeah, still hate Gale. Hate that it is convenient for her to kiss him. I need Peeta to be back and healthy again. Also, how dare Gale say Finnick could be a potential lover for Katniss? My god. Saying he was desperate. NO. GOODBYE, GALE. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 15-21: (view spoiler)[Eeek. So sad about Boggs. Not a fan that Coin is using Peeta and everyone else figured it out. Well, everyone but Peeta... but maybe he will get there. Johanna and the rain now make sense. I feel bad for her because I think she would've been awesome (and entertaining) on this little trip. Not a fan of what's coming now because it's the mutts. The mutts are in the tunnels with them. So many people are going to die :( (hide spoiler)]

[Ellen-Arwen]

Alaina, Im really sorry, but I'm gonna be super late on this. I have... okay, I have literally NOTHING going on (even my doctor has 'signed me off unofficially' from voluntary work - is that a thing??) but just struggling to read. I want to read these again but just can't work up any energy :(

[Alaina]

Ch 22-Finish: (view spoiler)[Honestly, President Coin not even seeing Katniss doing that as a possibility is kind of poetic. Didn't like her one bit. I'm also hoping the peace does actually last because everyone just needs to stop fighting/killing. No need to bring back the games. I'm also happy that Katniss and Peeta started their own family. It sucks that they still have episodes and need to heal. (hide spoiler)]

[Ellen-Arwen]

Is this thread still alive? I can't remember what the rules are... I still want to reread these...